Menopause in the workplace: Challenges, impact, and next steps

Abstract

Introduction

Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life that coincides with a time when many women play significant roles in the workforce. Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, fatigue, and difficulty with concentration and memory, can have a negative effect on work productivity and efficiency.

Objectives

This paper summarizes the impact of menopause in the workplace, with an emphasis on the impact of symptoms on employed women and how the workplace influences their experiences. It highlights economic implications, promotes awareness, and suggests potential next steps.

Methods

A search for papers was conducted between August and November 2023 in the PubMed and Medline databases. Papers were selected based on personal experience and interpretation of the findings. Recommendations for managing menopause symptoms in the workplace and guidance on an optimal workplace intervention strategy were provided.

Results

Women experiencing severe menopause symptoms are more likely to report adverse work outcomes, including absenteeism and job-related decisions such as quitting, retiring early, or declining promotions than women experiencing few symptoms. Factors such as a lack of awareness about menopause, inflexible work conditions, and high-stress jobs can exacerbate the severity of these symptoms. Additionally, unaddressed menopause symptoms contribute to both direct and indirect economic costs, including medical resource utilization and lost work productivity, resulting in a substantial economic burden.

Conclusion

Menopause symptoms impair women's work experiences and productivity. In addition to dismantling the stigma associated with menopause, it is critical to create and implement menopause workplace policies and interventions aimed at supporting women in this universal life stage.