Menopause in the Workplace: A Business Imperative
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Why Menopause Matters in the Modern Workplace
In today’s evolving work environment, businesses across industries face a critical challenge: retaining skilled, experienced employees affected by menopause. Yet, despite its profound impact, menopause remains an overlooked workplace issue.
Did you know that women are leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms, costing companies far more than they might realize? The loss of valuable talent due to untreated menopause symptoms is not just a personal issue—it’s a business problem that affects productivity, retention, and workplace culture.
🔍 The Menopause Conundrum: What Employers Need to Know
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, a stage when many women have advanced into senior management roles. Yet, hot flashes, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and reduced concentration can significantly affect performance, confidence, and overall well-being.
Unfortunately, many workplaces fail to acknowledge or support employees experiencing menopause, leading to negative consequences for both the individual and the organization.
📌 Key Workplace Challenges for Menopausal Employees:
✔ Reduced focus and cognitive function due to hormonal fluctuations.
✔ Increased absenteeism from menopause-related symptoms.
✔ Workplace stigma and lack of awareness, preventing open discussions and accommodations.
📉 The Cost of Ignoring Menopause in the Workplace
A 2019 survey by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that three in five women experienced negative workplace impacts due to menopause. Research by BUPA also revealed that nearly 900,000 women in the UK have left their jobs due to menopausal symptoms.
🚨 The Business Impact of Inaction:
✔ Higher turnover rates, increasing recruitment and training expenses.
✔ Lost institutional knowledge, affecting long-term business stability.
✔ Reduced employee morale and engagement across teams.
✔ Increased legal risks, with tribunal cases ruling in favor of employees facing discrimination.
Ignoring menopause isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a direct business and financial risk.
💰 The Financial Case: Why Menopause Support is a Smart Investment
The cost of losing experienced, senior employees due to menopause-related challenges extends beyond recruitment expenses. Hiring and training new staff can be a costly and time-consuming process:
📌 Recruitment Costs: 10-30% of an employee’s annual salary.
📌 Retraining Expenses: Up to £5,000 per employee.
📌 Loss of productivity & leadership that impacts the entire organization.
Creating a menopause-friendly workplace is not just an ethical choice—it’s a smart business decision that improves employee retention, morale, and productivity.
🏢 Becoming a Menopause-Friendly Workplace
A menopause-friendly workplace recognizes and supports the unique needs of employees going through menopause. Employers can take practical steps to create a more inclusive and accommodating work environment:
✅ Workplace Adjustments & Support
✔ Flexible Work Options – Hybrid working, adjusted schedules, and temperature-controlled office spaces.
✔ Access to Menopause Resources – Providing guides, support groups, and access to specialists.
✔ Health & Well-being Initiatives – Encouraging physical activity, stress management, and mental health support.
📚 Education & Training
✔ Workplace Seminars & Webinars – Educating managers and employees about menopause symptoms and workplace accommodations.
✔ Menopause Awareness Campaigns – Encouraging open conversations to reduce stigma and promote a culture of support.
✔ Training for HR & Leadership – Ensuring company policies include menopause-friendly practices.
👩⚕️ Expert-Led Menopause Education:
For companies looking to lead the way in menopause support, Dr. Joanne Hobson, a British Menopause Society Accredited Specialist and Clinical Lead Director of The Menopause Consortium, provides evidence-based education and training to organizations nationwide.
✔ Interactive Seminars & Webinars – Led by Dr. Joanne Hobson and her team, providing accurate, medical-based education.
✔ Free Menopause Resources – Including the latest research, best practices, and workplace policy templates.
✔ Menopause Workplace Policy Support – Helping businesses develop and implement menopause-friendly policies.
⚖️ Legal Considerations: Protecting Employees & Businesses
While menopause is not yet classified as a protected characteristic under employment law, recent tribunal cases have awarded thousands of pounds in compensation to employees who faced menopause-related discrimination.
📌 Legal Risks for Employers:
✔ Disability Discrimination Cases – If menopause symptoms substantially affect daily work, employees may be protected under disability law.
✔ Sexual Discrimination Claims – Failure to support menopausal employees could lead to costly legal battles.
Proactively addressing menopause in the workplace reduces legal risks while fostering a more inclusive environment.
🚀 A Call to Action: The Business Case for Menopause Support
Can businesses afford to ignore menopause support when nearly 40% of their workforce is impacted?
The answer is clear: "No".
Companies that fail to act risk:
✔ Losing key talent at senior levels.
✔ Higher absenteeism and reduced productivity.
✔ Legal and reputational risks.
💡 The Solution:
✔ Menopause education and training for managers and employees.
✔ Workplace policies that provide support and accommodations.
✔ A proactive approach to well-being and employee retention.
📩 Take action today. Talk to us !
📖 References & Further Reading:
💜 Empower your workforce. Retain top talent. Become a menopause-friendly employer today.
📢 IMPORTANT 📢
We hope you’ve found this article useful. However, it cannot be a substitute for a consultation with a specialist. If you’re concerned about symptoms you’re experiencing or require further information, please reach out to us via our :
TALK TO US (contact us can be found at the bottom of our homepage). 📞💬
Navigating Today’s Digital World: Separating Fact from Fiction
With so much information online, it’s difficult to know what to trust. At Femme Forte, we cut through the noise by:
✅ Delivering clear, fact-checked content
✅ Relying on the expertise of qualified professionals
✅ Ensuring all information is rooted in the latest scientific research
Why Trust Femme Forte?
At Femme Forte, we believe in trusted, expert-led, and empowering healthcare for every woman. 💙
🔹 Reliable Information – Every article, resource, and guide is meticulously vetted to reflect the latest best practices in women’s healthcare.
🔹 Expert-Driven Content – Learn from industry-leading professionals who provide practical, science-backed insights.
🔹 Community & Support – Join a growing network of women empowered with the knowledge to take charge of their hormonal health.
In Association with... The Menopause Consortium (TMC)
We are proud to collaborate with The Menopause Consortium (TMC)—one of the UK’s largest independent providers of in-person women’s health clinics. This partnership ensures you receive expert-backed insights from a diverse network of leading healthcare professionals, including:
✔ Doctors & Gynaecologists
✔ Nurses & Pharmacists
✔ Psychotherapists
✔ Dietitians & Physiotherapists
Together, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to supporting your hormonal health.
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