Half of female employees going through the menopause are considering leaving work, according to new research from Royal London.
The mutual life, pensions and investment firm’s findings, released ahead of World Menopause Day (18 October), found that five in 10 female respondents are thinking of leaving employment altogether due to their menopause experiences.
One-third (34%) cited health issues, including the menopause, as the reason for retiring in their late 50s around average 6.7 years earlier than planned.
Eight in 10 (82%) said they would be more likely to stay with their current employer if they were better supported, but many are uncomfortable discussing their experience with line managers. Only one-third would be willing to speak to a male manager about the menopause, for example, compared to three-quarters who would speak to a female boss.
The research also revealed that almost one million women are leaving their job because of menopausal symptoms, which could result in them being up to £126,000 worse off in retirement. Almost nine in 10 (86%) said that menopause symptoms make work harder for them.
Clare Moffat, pensions expert at Royal London, said: “It’s clear that many employers are losing key employees because of a lack of menopause support. Women are suddenly questioning themselves and their abilities and the lack of support and understanding in the workplace is causing them to leave work in their droves. But with more support for women, the menopause talent drain can be addressed, stemming the tide of women who feel they have to leave the world of work and reducing health related economic inactivity, an issue impacting UK workers over 50.
“Improving how women experiencing the menopause are accommodated in the workplace should be a priority for employers. Managers need to better understand menopause and how they can support employees. Creating a supportive workplace environment and signposting effective menopause support will help employees and ensure the economy benefits too.”