Guides & Toolkits
Half of all individuals employed in the US between the ages of 40 and 64 are women – the majority of whom have begun or completed the menopause transition.
Yet, according to the Employee Perspectives and Challenges Concerning the Transition of Menopause (EMPACT Menopause) Study, 61% of employees indicated there were no menopause-specific policies at their place of work, and another 1/3 of employees were unsure if resources were available to them. Similar figures were represented among supervisors’ knowledge of workplace policies about menopause.
An estimated $150 billion is lost in menopause-related productivity costs worldwide each year, according to Bloomberg. Supporting women during midlife and the menopause transition is vital for retaining talent, fostering career growth, and boosting economic development – all hallmarks of a competitive business.
Employers are responsible for creating and maintaining a conducive and healthy work environment for all employees, including those experiencing menopause. The Menopause Workplace Resource Guide for Managers was created by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) to support employers and managers in understanding the menopause transition and fostering menopause-friendly workplaces.
Read more about the Menopause Guide for Women on the SWHR blog.
Regardless of their career goals, data shows that menopause can have far-reaching impacts on a woman’s career-related decisions: one in four women considered not pursuing or did not pursue a leadership opportunity due to the impacts of menopause; one in three women considered reducing or reduced their workload; and two in five women considered finding or found a new job, all according to the EMPACT Menopause Study.
The Menopause Workplace Resource Guide for Women was created by SWHR to support women in the workplace as they go through the menopause transition.
By fostering a culture of open communication, employees may be more inclined to share their concerns or needs related to menopause, allowing HR and managers to provide appropriate support for them and others in similar situations. This poster can be printed and placed in an office breakroom or bathroom to increase awareness about menopause in the workplace and help start a conversation about menopause at work!
The SWHR Employee Perspectives and Challenges Concerning the Transition of Menopause (EMPACT Menopause) Study aims to better understand the workplace experiences of individuals who have entered or completed the menopause transition, as well as their coworkers and employers.
On August 2nd the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (Labor-HHS). The committee approved the spending bill with a bipartisan 25-3 vote.
My story may seem boring compared to others, but I am just now learning that I may have been doing things wrong.
Inspired by the EMPACT Menopause Study 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.
During an interview for the 2024 Migraine World Summit, Dr. Christine Lay shared what she has discovered about menopause and migraine based on her medical practice.
This document is intended to serve as an educational and informative resource and is not intended or implied to serve as a substitute for medical or professional advice. The Society for Women’s Health Research does not make medical, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, nor does it endorse or promote specific screening or diagnostic tests. Patients and consumers should confirm information and consult a professional health care provider to determine individual needs. The Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising therefrom.
This material was created by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) and is intended to serve as a public educational and informative resource. This material may be cited or shared on external channels, websites, and blogs, with attribution given to SWHR, or printed and displayed in its original formatted version. SWHR encourages the sharing and reposting of its content in order to spread awareness around women’s health issues. For specific questions about sharing SWHR content, please reach out to communications@swhr.org.
Support for this educational program has been provided by Astellas Pharma, Bayer, Nutrafol, and Pfizer. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.