One in Five Women Consider Leaving Job Due to Menopause

One in every five women has left or considered leaving a job because of menopause symptoms, according to a new study. 

In fact, two-thirds of women are negatively impacted by menopause symptoms at work, confirmed research carried out by Elektra Health. Approximately 18% have taken off four or more days of work due to menopause symptoms. Additionally, 62% of women would like to see more menopause support from their employer, as well as their health insurance company (73%).

The annual Menopause in the Workplace (2022) report from the digital health platform for women, revealed a widespread lack of menopause support amongst employers and health insurers. This gap often impacts women at the height of their careers, noted the research. 

The report also revealed that women of colour experience more difficulties when going through the menopause. Around 24% of African American women or people of colour have not pursued a promotion because of menopause symptoms, compared to 16% of White women. Additionally, 63% of African-American women or people of colour felt like a target of ageism if they shared openly about a menopause experience, compared to 51% of White women.

IMPACT ON WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Of the 2,000 professional women surveyed (ages 40-55) in management, director and C-suite roles in the US, a majority of women (87%) reported experiencing at least one menopause symptom in the workplace. This not only negatively impacted their mental health, but a majority of women also reported concern around the financial burden of managing their menopause care as well as missed days of work to manage symptoms. The report demonstrates the importance of providing better education, support and resources to ensure that women do not shoulder the emotional, physical and financial burden of menopause alone.

This report also revealed how menopause symptoms affect employee performance and mental health. For example:

• 56% said employer support for menopause is lacking in comparison to other resources.
• 40% felt their menopause health and wellness are overlooked by their employer.
• 42% don’t feelthey are getting enough mental health support to deal with menopause.

TABOO TOPIC

“Menopause is the last taboo that can impact every single working woman – it’s a 10-year experience with 34 symptoms that hits women at the height of their careers,” shared Alessandra Henderson, Elektra’s Co-founder & CEO. “With women dropping out of the workforce at alarming rates due to the pandemic and rising mental health needs, employers need to act swiftly to deploy effective solutions. We’re excited to partner with forward-leaning employers who recognise the importance of retaining female talent and comprehensive benefits that address the entire span of a woman’s working years.”

The menopause transition is very individualised, “with some people experiencing only menstrual changes, while others suffer multiple severe and sometimes debilitating symptoms, ranging from hot flashes that can disturb a work schedule in unpredictable ways, to insomnia resulting in fatigue and concentration issues the next day, to increased anxiety, mood swings and depression”, added Elektra’s Founding Physician Dr Anna Barbieri. “The report clearly shows that women are dissatisfied with the level of information and care available, including employers who may be unaware of the changes accompanying this transition. Now is the time to put in workplace solutions like Elektra that can effectively help women employees navigate this phase of life and thrive at work.”

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Around 25% of women in financial services who are going through the menopause are also considering leaving the industry, according to another recent report. Click here to read more.