More than one in 10 (15%) menopausal women have considered quitting work due to lack of employer support, according to a report by HR consultancy Hoomph.
Its Menopause in the workplace: breaking the silence report surveyed 1,000 women who are working full-time, part-time, or are retired, and have experienced or are currently experiencing the menopause, with a minimum of 50 respondents in the technology sector. Its aim was to examine the effects of the menopause on women’s professional lives, as well as the emotional and mental health impact on those affected.
The research also found that those who have thought about quitting due to menopausal symptoms work in high-stress sectors such as technology and healthcare. One-fifth (21%) of respondents aged 45-54 have contemplated leaving their roles.
More than half (53%) of respondents said the menopause has impacted their daily working life, rising to 70% among women aged 45-54. Almost three-quarters (70%) said they have felt unsupported by their employers during this transition, while 69% of working and retired women wish they had been more informed about the menopause before experiencing it.
Sarah Stevens and Lisa Hallewell, co-founders of Hoomph, said: “At Hoomph, we are passionate about supporting wellbeing initiatives, and our report sheds light on a critical gap in workplace support for menopausal women. As businesswomen working in HR and experiencing menopause ourselves, we have seen firsthand the lack of awareness and support available.
“It’s time for businesses to step up, break the stigma, and foster inclusive environments where women don’t have to suffer in silence. Proposed Labour Party legislation for a menopause action plan in larger companies is promising, but smaller businesses lack clear guidance.”
