Only 40% of employees are unaware of any menopause-related policies in their workplace, according to new research by Benenden Health.
The healthcare provider surveyed 2,000 UK working women aged 40-65, and found that 28% of respondents said they are considering leaving their job because of symptoms, and 7% have already quit.
The most common symptoms causing disruption at work are brain fog and memory issues (46%), hot flushes (46%), and fatigue (43%), with many also citing anxiety, mood changes and joint pain.
Almost one-third (31%) said their productivity has reduced, 30% need more breaks, and on average women are losing 5.5 working days a year to menopause-related illness alone.
Two-thirds (63%) said it is still awkward to discuss the menopause at work and just 45% feel comfortable raising symptoms with their manager. Common fears include being judged (17%), not understood (16%), and being treated differently (12%).
Less than half (47%) have had to change the way they work to cope, such as reducing hours (18%), cutting responsibilities (12%), or turning down promotions and training opportunities (6%).
A majority (92%) believe their organisations are meeting the needs of staff going through the menopause, and 72% have a formal policy or initiative in place. A third (33%) provide menopause training for managers, while 41% offer practical measures such as paid leave and 45% provide workplace adjustments.
Dr Amy Pressland, head of talent and performance at Benenden Health, said: “Too many women are being forced to make impossible choices between their health and their careers. Our research reveals a gap between employers’ perceptions of support and the reality women face every day during this life stage. Businesses and organisations have a responsibility to help to close the gap.
“Menopause should never be a reason for someone to step back from work they love, or for an organisation to lose talent. Instead, we would encourage HR teams to embed clear menopause support policies, enable open conversations and implement a range of practical support options, so they can create environments where women can thrive at every stage of life.”
