Workplaces in Europe risk losing experienced staff to menopause

GLOBAL TALENT DRAIN

A 2022 study of more than 4,000 women experiencing menopause in the UK found that over half suffered from reduced motivation at work and a drop in confidence, and faced anxiety or depression. A quarter had to take time off due to their symptoms.

Globally, the United Nations Population Fund estimates 1.1 billion women will be going through menopause this year – a fifth of the world’s workforce, many of them reaching what should be the peak of their professional careers. 

But research shows most will be struggling with symptoms while at work, something campaigners in Europe are trying to tackle.

They stress the need for employees and managers to have basic knowledge of signs to look out for and, ideally, forge a work culture where those struggling can discuss what they are going through.

“You can’t just expect a workplace to carry you through when you have symptoms that are due to a hormone deficiency,” said Louise Newson, a hormone specialist at Newson Clinic in Stratford-upon-Avon. 

“If someone had low iron and they were tired at work, you wouldn’t just give them a cushion and let them lie down … you talk to them and say, well, maybe you can take some iron supplements. And that’s exactly the same with conversations (about menopause).”