Menopause in the workplace

During October 2021 The Menopause Hub conducted research among 1150 menopausal women in Ireland to understand women’s experience of menopause in the workplace. In addition, we collaborated with IBEC to see what employers are thinking about menopause and what they planning in the future. Prior to this no data existed about Irish women and their experience of menopause in their workplace. We consistently looked to the UK for their data.

I have long described menopause as a multifaceted issue:

  • It is a SOCIETAL issue as it affect 50% of the population, should they live long enough. Every woman will go through menopause, whereas not every woman will be pregnant, experience fertility issues, etc. And of course the other 50% may be impacted by it.

  • It is a HEALTHCARE issue - given the lack of awareness among menopausal women themselves - 80% are unprepared for menopause (Source: The Menopause Hub research 2020, among 1250 menopausal women in Ireland) and the lack of recognition of menopausal symptoms among some healthcare professionals, women are being sent for unnecessary tests to check out what are mostly menopausal symptoms, e.g. brain scans for headaches, heart monitors for palpitations, to various consultants to check dry eye, vaginal dryness, joint stiffness and aches and pains, the list goes on. This puts unnecessary pressure on our healthcare system. Plus, post menopausal women, in their oestrogen deficient state, at are increased risks of bone disease (osteoporosis), heart disease and cognitive disease (Alzheimer’s), putting further pressure on the health system as women age.

  • It is a WORKPLACE issue, in terms of health & safety/duty of care to employees, performance issues, talent retention, talent attraction and legislative risk - discrimination on the grounds of age, gender and disability.

  • It is an ECONOMIC issue, in terms of cost to the healthcare system and cost to the employer.

    Our research tells us that

    • 12% of women of menopausal women have given up work due to their symptoms

    • 43% have considered giving up work due to their symptoms

    • 39% have taken time off work due to menopause

    • 22% have take 3 or more days off work because of menopause

We at The Menopause Hub deliver awareness and education training to employers to help them support menopausal colleagues in the workplace. You can read more about what we offer here

We are currently working with a variety of large and small organisations across a variety of sectors, including: Lidl, Sisk Healthcare, DCU, UCD, IADT, Kellogg, Indeed, DB Schenker, Queally Group, Irish Wheelchair Association, the Irish Centre for Diversity, EY, Deloitte, AXA, the INMO, Aer Rianta…. and many more. If you need help and support to make your workplace menopause friendly, please download our brochure here and get in touch with Grainne O’Reilly on grainne@themenopausehub.ie

We look forward to hearing from you.

Menopause in the workplace Research Findings - IBEC & THE MENOPAUSE HUB
Loretta Dignam