Half of all individuals employed in the United States between the ages of 40 and 64 are women – the majority of which have begun or completed the menopause transition. It is imperative that we all, from colleagues to companies, strategize to ensure the well-being and continued productivity of women throughout their career.
While two out of five women considered finding or found a new job due menopause, 25% of women considered leaving or left the workforce altogether, according to theEmployee Perspectives and Challenges Concerning the Transition of Menopause (EMPACT Menopause) Study led by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR).
Inspired by these findings, SWHR developed a set of resource guides to help address these significant gaps for midlife and older women and ultimately help improve wellness for all individuals at work.
The Menopause Workplace Resource Guide for Managers was created to support managers, employers, and human resource professionals in understanding the menopause transition and fostering menopause-friendly workplaces. Supporting women throughout midlife and menopause is vital for retaining talent, fostering career growth, and boosting economic development – all hallmarks of a competitive business. Notable sections of this guide include:
- Menopause at Work
- Cultivating Menopause-Friendly Workplaces
- Workplace Conversations About Menopause
- A “Supporting the Menopause Journey in the Workplace” Poster
Download The Menopause Guide For Managers
The Menopause Workplace Resource Guide for Women was created to support women in the workplace as they go through the menopause transition. The timing of the menopause transition often overlaps with key career growth years for many women, as they may pursue management or senior leadership positions. Regardless of their career goals, the EMPACT Menopause Study survey showed that menopause can have far-reaching impacts on a woman’s career-related decisions. Notable sections of this guide include:
- Working Through the Menopause Transition
- Menopause-Friendly Workplace Accommodations
- Crucial Conversations About Menopause
- References and Resources for Menopause at Work
Download The Menopause Guide For Women
Do you have a menopause story to share? How has menopause impacted your wellness at work? SWHR wants to hear from you. Your women’s health story may help educate and inform others going through a similar experience. Learn more about how to share your story online here.
These guides were developed using insights gained from the EMPACT Menopause Study, which aims to improve workplace experiences for the significant portion of the workforce in the menopause transition. As part of the study, SWHR conducted a survey – Understanding the Impact of Menopause on the Workplace – in summer 2023 to collect insights from individuals who have entered or completed the menopause transition while working, as well as their coworkers and employers. The Society received over 900 responses across several industries and workplace settings. Data from the survey was published in the EMPACT Menopause Study Bulletin, released in January 2024.
These resources are projects from SWHR’s Menopause Program, which was established in 2020 to address barriers to care and reduce health disparities related to the menopause transition. The latest work in this program focuses on menopause in the workplace, with the understanding that significant numbers of women experience impacts on their work lives and careers during the natural life stage of menopause. Check out highlights from the rest of the SWHR Menopause Program:
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series
- EMPACT Menopause Study Bulletin
SWHR’s Menopause Program is supported by educational sponsorships from Astellas Pharma, Bayer, Nutrafol, and Pfizer. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.