Almost seven out of 10 (69 per cent) women experiencing perimenopause or menopause say their work has been impacted, according to new research.
But despite this, the survey by MetLife, found that the majority of these women (65 per cent) still did not feel comfortable discussing their symptoms with their employer. In total just 27 per cent felt they could raise these issues.
The research also highlighted the issues women are facing, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) of women have had to to work late to make up for time off work due to their symptoms and health appointments; whilst more than one in five (22 per cent) admitted to making mistakes or missing deadlines as a result of symptoms.
In total two thirds of respondents (65 per cent) admitted to low moods and mood swings, hot flushes – including excessive sweating and night sweats; while a similar proportion (62 per cent) experienced difficulties sleeping. Having headaches was another common symptom, with half of women experiencing them as part of their menopause, with memory and concentration affecting 45 per cent. These symptoms were attributed to one in six women missing out on workplace social events, or external meetings.
But MetLife said there are options out there for employers to better support those experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause in – and out – the workplace. Most organisations will have some form of employee assistance programme (EAP), offering resources to improve sickness absence while increasing employee satisfaction and engagement.
MetLife head of employee benefits Adrian Matthews says: “Women need to be able to have the freedom to discuss any issues they may be experiencing, whether that be at home or at work. The menopause can’t be left at the threshold, and it helps to have an encouraging and supportive employer to be able to navigate what can be an isolating time in women’s lives.
“By regularly signposting support and reminding employees about their benefits and the specific menopause resources and policies in place, employers can ensure their staff are properly supported and will go some way to discourage feelings of awkwardness when bringing up female-sensitive conversations.
“Helping women feel heard, supported, and respected can help employers to maintain the hard-fought careers of women and see them through this chapter in their lives within the workplace.”
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