A recent report highlights that over 10% of menopausal women are contemplating resigning due to inadequate employer support.
- The study surveyed 1,000 women and revealed that 70% do not feel supported by their employers during menopause.
- High-stress industries, such as technology and healthcare, see more women considering resignation over menopause.
- The impact of menopause on daily work life is significant, affecting over half of the women surveyed.
- A call for comprehensive workplace policies to support menopausal women is emphasized.
The new report from HR consultancy hoomph spotlights a compelling issue faced by menopausal women in the workplace, with over 10% considering leaving their jobs due to insufficient support from employers. This study, based on a survey of 1,000 women, suggests that the challenges are particularly acute in high-pressure fields like technology and healthcare. The report, titled “Menopause in the workplace: Breaking the silence,” underscores the urgent need for businesses to develop dedicated support systems.
A substantial 70% of respondents feel unsupported during this pivotal life transition. Such lack of support is contributing to a marked consideration among women to exit the workforce. These feelings of neglect are exacerbated in environments demanding high performance under stress, further pushing women to contemplate resignation.
An alarming 53% of these women admitted that their daily professional lives are impacted by menopause-related symptoms. This statistic increases sharply to 70% among those aged 45 to 54, underscoring a critical period where symptoms can be debilitating without proper support. The emotional and mental health impacts are also significant, yet frequently overlooked in workplace discussions and policies.
Despite rising awareness, formal policies addressing menopause remain inadequate. Prominent figures like Davina McCall have catalyzed public dialogue, but meaningful action has been limited. The Labour Party’s proposal for a menopause action plan is promising for larger companies; however, smaller businesses still lack clear guidance. This gap underscores the necessity for comprehensive and inclusive strategies.
Sarah Stevens and Lisa Hallewell, co-founders of hoomph, emphasize the gravity of the situation: “At hoomph, we are passionate about supporting wellbeing initiatives, and our report sheds light on a critical gap in workplace support for menopausal women.” Their call to action encourages businesses to proactively create environments where women can thrive without stigma, advocating for policies that reflect an understanding of natural life stages.
Businesses must prioritize menopause support to create equitable workplaces.
