Menopause at Work: It’s Always Been Part of the Equation

Insights from the Menopause Foundation of Canada’s October 2023 Report

The Menopause Foundation of Canada’s October 2023 report on Menopause in the Workplace sheds light on the often overlooked challenges faced by women navigating this life stage while maintaining professional responsibilities. This comprehensive examination explores the impact of menopause on the workplace and provides valuable insights into creating supportive environments for employees experiencing this natural transition.

Key Findings:

1. Lack of Awareness and Understanding: The report highlights a prevailing lack of awareness and understanding surrounding menopause in the workplace. Many employees and employers alike are unfamiliar with the symptoms and struggles that women may face during this phase of life.
2. Impact on Productivity: Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings, can significantly affect an individual’s productivity. The report emphasizes the need for employers to recognize and address these challenges to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.
3. Stigma and Silence: The stigma surrounding menopause often leads women to suffer in silence. Fear of judgment and discrimination prevents open conversations about menopausal experiences in the workplace. This silence can contribute to a lack of support and understanding.
4. Workplace Policies and Support Systems: The report underscores the importance of implementing inclusive workplace policies that specifically address the needs of women going through menopause. Flexible work hours, designated rest areas, and access to health resources are essential components of a supportive workplace.
5. Educational Initiatives: To combat the pervasive lack of knowledge, the Menopause Foundation of Canada recommends educational initiatives aimed at both employees and employers. Workshops, training sessions, and informational materials can contribute to a more informed and empathetic workplace culture.
6. Promoting Open Communication: Encouraging open communication is crucial for breaking the silence around menopause. Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their experiences fosters a supportive environment and helps eradicate the stigma associated with menopause.
7. Benefits of a Menopause-Friendly Workplace: The report highlights that investing in a menopause-friendly workplace is not only beneficial for women going through this life stage but also for the overall well-being and productivity of the entire workforce. Supporting employees through menopause contributes to employee satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

Here’s why it matters. First, we address learning disabilities, we assist with physical disabilities, we accommodate for injuries and illness and we are learning compassion toward non-cisgender individuals. But, menopause, as natural, expected, inevitable and frequent as it is and will be in the workplace, is not recognized for the physiological and psychological impacts. Ergo, official policies and accommodations are rarely mentioned in HR procedures. If they are, congratulations! You’re a very forward thinking organization.

The absence of an HR policy that supports or recognizes menopause can have several detrimental effects on both individual employees and the overall workplace environment, including organizational culture, morale, employee trunover, and prductivity.

The Menopause in the Workplace Report commissioned by the Menopause Foundation of Canada serves as a wake-up call to organizations and employees alike. By acknowledging the challenges faced by women during menopause and implementing supportive policies, workplaces can create an inclusive and compassionate environment. It is time to break the silence, raise awareness, and foster a workplace culture that recognizes and respects the diverse experiences of women in all stages of life.

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*The survey data in the report was conducted by Leger Canada . The Deloitte Canada research was based on the Leger survey data, Canadian labor market statistics, with sensitivity analysis conducted based on studies from the United States and the United Kingdom.

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Download the Report