Promoting Workplace Inclusion with Improved Support for Menopausal women

By 2030, it is estimated that over one billion women will be perimenopausal or postmenopausal. Nearly 50 million women reach menopause each year. In 2030, over a billion women will be in perimenopause or postmenopause, and nearly 50 million of them will reach menopause every year.

Dr Katherine O’Reilly is the Regional Medical Director of International SOS. She said: “Menopause is the end of a woman’s period due to lower levels in hormones. This is a major life transition which can present a variety of physical and emotional difficulties. The symptoms can last for months or even years and affect women at the height of their career. “The impact of fibromyalgia on career advancement, work performance and attendance is increasing, but many women do not know how to relieve their symptoms.”

Menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years old. Early menopause, however, is common. It affects 8% of women living in high-income nations and 12% worldwide between the ages of 40 and 44. ³ An additional 2 to 4% of women experience menopause prior to age 40.

Menopause can cause workplace issues such as low confidence, fatigue, memory problems, and poor concentration. According to a new study, women who experience perimenopause symptoms are 40% more likely than women without menopausal signs to suffer from depression. ⁴ This may be due to mood swings caused by fluctuating levels of oestrogen or progesterone. Hot flashes can also increase absenteeism and workforce attrition. Organizations need to be aware of these different experiences and provide support that is tailored accordingly.

Dr O’Reilly continues, While progress has been made towards normalising the conversation around menopause in the workplace, organisations still have a lot of potential to improve their support for women going through menopause. Employers can play an important role in fostering open communication by implementing comprehensive policies on menopause, providing tailored resources and encouraging open dialogue. It not only allows women to excel in their career, but it also allows organisations to retain valuable expertise and ensure continuity of business. “By actively supporting diversity throughout and beyond menopause organisations can leverage their entire workforce’s talent and experience, creating a more inclusive environment and achieving sustainable growth.”

International SOS shares the top five tips for organisations to promote inclusivity, and to support their employees in managing menopause challenges. Many of these women will be in a prime time of their careers and have a significant value in the workplace:

1. Policy: Create flexible work arrangements and supportive policies. Policies that are specific to menopause may include flexible work hours, healthcare resources tailored for managing menopausal symptom management or paid or unpaid leaves. Be sure that all employees are aware of these policies and can access them.
2. Recognize the transition to menopause in the workplace Educate and train all employees about it. Encourage open discussions and reduce stigma surrounding menopause.
3. Inclusivity : Make sure that the diversity and inclusion efforts of your organisation explicitly address gender-specific issues, including menopause. Support groups can encourage open conversations.
4. Menopausal programs: Implement health and wellness programmes that are geared towards menopause. Provide employees with personalised health advice, and conduct specific health tests to help them navigate the physical and mental challenges of menopause.
5. EEmployee assistance programmes (EAPs). Ensure EAPs have the capability to provide menopausal care and guidance, as well as support to employees who are in need.

The International SOS Group of Companies

International SOS Group of Companies saves lives and protects your global workforce against health and security threats. We deliver tailored health, security and risk management solutions that will fuel your growth.

We provide immediate assistance in the event of severe weather, epidemics, or security incidents. This provides peace of mind. Our medical and security experts, using innovative technology, focus on prevention. We provide real-time insights, and deliver quality on the ground. We protect your reputation and your employees, while also supporting your compliance reporting requirements. We help organisations fulfil their duty of care responsibilities while also empowering resilience, continuity and sustainability.

The International SOS Group was founded in 1985 and has offices in London and Singapore. It is trusted by over 9,500 organisations including governments, schools, universities, NGOs, mid-sized enterprises, as well as Fortune Global 500 companies. Over 13,000 experts in security, medical, logistic, and digital support you 24/7/365 from more than 1,000 locations across 90 countries.

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com

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   _{How does menopause affect women in the workplace and what can we do to support them?}

2. 
   _{Aljumah R, Phillips S, Harper JC. A survey of postmenopausal woman to assess their knowledge and attitudes about menopause. Post Reprod Health. 2023}
   
3. 
   _{Mishra, Gita D et al. Optimising your health after an early menopause. The Lancet Vol. 40, 2024}
   
4. 
   _{Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 357. 2024}
   

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