- Two-fifths of women felt unsupported by their employer during the menopause
- 11% of women have considered leaving their job as a result
More than a quarter (27%) of working women aged 45-65 who have been through the menopause has experienced a negative impact on their career because of it according to research from Canada Life1.
The biggest impact women reported experiencing was feeling undervalued (27%), with a further 20% saying it caused negative feelings with their colleagues.
Employers were also found to be lacking when it comes to providing menopause support with two-fifths (41%) of women reporting feeling unsupported by their employer and 42% feeling unable to talk to their line manager about their menopause experience. This lack of support has led to 11% of women to consider leaving their job.
Workplace policies that would help working women with the menopause to feel better supported include:
▪ Improved sick leave policy for menopause symptoms 26%
▪ Flexible working rights 23%
▪ Access to support such as virtual GPs and mental health counselling 17%
About a fifth (19%) would be more likely to stay with their current employer if they felt better supported with the menopause and symptoms experienced.
Dan Crook, protection sales director at Canada Life comments:
“Everyone experiences the menopause differently and some can have more severe symptoms than others, sometimes lasting for up to 12 years. Building awareness around the menopause is fundamental to normalising the topic in the workplace and society, allowing people to talk openly and seek support when needed. With more than 1 in 4 women feeling their career negatively impacted by the menopause this could quickly become a key recruitment and retention issue for employers if not handled openly and compassionately.
“Women experiencing the menopause are usually at the height of their careers and an asset that employers should work hard to keep. Almost a fifth of women said they would be more likely to stay with their employer if they felt better supported in the menopause and by making relatively simple changes such as improving sick leave policies and flexible working, employers can give their workforce the best chance of success. Virtual support services also have a key role to play through helping employees via the workplace and employers should take every opportunity to promote their use.”
- Source: Opinium research among 155 working women aged 45-65 who are currently or have gone through the menopause, 22nd – 25th March 2022