Dive Brief:
- Women who have experienced perimenopause or menopause largely described a feeling of being overlooked at work in a recent survey. Other research, however, indicates the tide may be shifting.
- The survey, conducted by Evernow, revealed a sense of discomfort around the condition and the workplace; 64% of respondents said the needs of women in menopause were overlooked by employers and 54% feared being stigmatized if they spoke openly about it. Fewer than one-third of respondents said they felt comfortable discussing menopause with their HR staff.
- Respondents reported inability to focus, brain fog and headaches or migraines as their top symptoms affecting work performance and productivity.
Dive Insight:
Women’s health needs are receiving renewed attention in the workplace, with both the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers (PUMP) Act passed late last year. The laws brought greater awareness of the particular medical needs of many child-bearing and child-bearing-aged women, like the need for a modified schedule or the need to express breast milk.
Despite coming with its own set of medical complications, menopause has not received the same attention — until recently. More employers are becoming aware of and interested in benefits that can support employees during menopause; according to a Mercer survey, the share of employers planning to offer such benefits tripled in 2023, from 4% to 15%.
Advocates are pushing for legal protections for workers experiencing menopause as well. The Americans with Disabilities Act only covers menopause that is “not naturally occurring,” like when it is caused by a hysterectomy, an article from Quartz pointed out. By taking steps to support workers during menopause, employers can stand out — and potentially keep women in the workforce for longer.
