Menopause & The Workplace for Women Over 50

Hot flashes and night sweats are just two of the fun symptoms of menopause, and managing them can be as difficult as playing chess against a chess grandmaster. It’s one thing dealing with menopause symptoms at home, but it’s another thing altogether when you’re at work.

Should employers be willing to make concessions for women going through menopause? Christi Pramudji, MD, Female Urologist and Urogynecologist, female sexual health and wellness specialist, and Cliovana-trained expert, with over 20 years of private practice experience treating female patients, says “yes”.

Be informed

Employers should learn about the physical and emotional changes that occur during menopause so that they can understand and manage their employees better.  Read up on the symptoms of menopause and how they can potentially impact work performance and overall well-being.

Flexible Working Arrangements

For many women, menopause causes symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and other physical symptoms. These symptoms can make it challenging for women to maintain a consistent work schedule and remain productive.  Employers should consider flexible working arrangements, such as working remotely or flexible hours. A little bit of understanding goes a long way.

Keep It Cool

Menopause can cause hot flashes, which can make women feel uncomfortable, sweaty, and overheated (yes, even when everyone else is dressed in winter gear).  Employers should provide a comfortable work environment for their female employees by adjusting the temperature or providing access to a fan or other cooling devices. Please don’t insist on jackets in the boardroom either!

Offer Help

For any woman going through menopause, the convergence of stress and the shifting of critical hormones can lead to anxiety and depression.  So in addition to physical accommodations, employers should also provide emotional support to menopausal women that may involve access to counseling and therapy. 

Revise Benefits

Employers can offer health benefits that cover menopause treatments. Offering hormone replacement therapy, to help their female employees feel supported and valued.

Advocate for yourself

Women suffering from menopause symptoms need to advocate for themselves and speak up. Employers need to know what are the best working conditions for you to be most productive.

Employers need to remember that menopause is a natural biological process that affects many women in the workforce. Menopause is often stigmatized and poorly understood in the workplace. Many women may feel unsupported and uncomfortable during this time, which can impact their work performance and productivity.

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