October Research finds menopause is hidden and taboo in the workplace

University of Galway and University College Cork research sets out recommendations for the benefit of women and the world of work

University researchers have revealed that menopause remains a hidden and taboo subject in the workplace.

The study - Menopause in the workplace - is based on surveys of public sector workers in Ireland and was carried out by academics in University of Galway and University College Cork.

The findings have been released to mark World Menopause Day, today Friday October 18, 2024.

The research was carried out to explore women's experiences of menopause at work; the attitudes of other workers who are not experiencing menopause; the impact of menopause on work outcomes for women; and to identify interventions to support women.

Almost 1,000 people (including 835 women and 151 men) from five public sector organisations in Ireland completed an on-line survey.

Some of the key findings among those who are experiencing menopause:

• 68% of people who took the survey stated that menopause was not spoken about in their workplace
• 8% said it was a 'taboo' subject
• 75% didn't know if their company had a menopause policy
• 29% of line managers whose direct reports have spoken to them about menopause do not feel equipped to discuss menopause and offer support.
• 70% stated that organisations should adjust the physical work environment for those going through menopause
• 82% state that organisations should provide training for line managers and supervisors on how to support those going through menopause
• While 62% of menopausal employees have discussed their menopause with their co-workers, only 1 in 12 (12%) have spoken to their manager about it, underlining a lack of trust or fear among these women.
• 65% of menopausal respondents did not intend to apply for promotion, and menopausal employees are less likely to apply, compared with pre-menopausal employees.
• 96% of menopausal respondents reported physical and mental exhaustion to be the most common and most severe symptom experienced.

Dr Maeve O’Sullivan, College of Business Public Policy & Law at University of Galway, said: "Despite high rates of women in employment and Government focus on keeping people in work for longer, menopause remains a taboo subject in many organisations and a significant barrier to employee wellbeing and productivity.

“But menopause is not just a gender or age issue, as it can impact on colleagues both directly or indirectly, and it should therefore be considered an organisational issue.

“Our study's findings demonstrate the urgent need to tackle this taboo and better equip organisations and managers to facilitate greater job satisfaction and wellbeing among female employees. Menopause is not simply a female issue."

Dr Elaine O'Brien in University College Cork said: "Despite menopause now being openly discussed in today's society, there is very little focus on its impact on work and vice versa. Our Menopause in the workplace study finds that while some female employees discuss menopause with colleagues, only 12% do so with their managers.

“Our study shines a light on this taboo topic and recommends key workplace interventions to improve menopausal employees' wellbeing and boost organisational productivity."

A series of recommendations have been set out alongside the survey findings:

• Training and education programmes should be targeted at line managers, HR personnel and employees to remove the stigma associated with menopause; to demystify menopause symptom severity; and to develop skills and knowledge of peers to understand and manage menopause issues.
• Female workers should be offered greater flexibility when going through menopausal transition (e.g. start and finish times; time for medical appointments; temperature-adjustable work environments, hybrid working).
• Greater levels of job satisfaction enable menopausal women to better cope with exhaustion, so consideration should be given to ways of improving culture and communication.

• Provide access to specialist menopause consultants and health coaching to mitigate against symptoms.

- Implement interventions that help alleviate exhaustion (eg meditative yoga sessions; self-help cognitive behavioural therapy; health promotion and awareness; sleep-hygiene advice.

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