Menopause: Supporting Female Employees as They Age

More than one million women in the U.S. experience menopause each year, yet there are few workplace supports being put in place for this population. As more research is being conducted and the topic becomes less taboo, attitudes and expectations about menopause and its relationship to work are changing. Organizations must be prepared to assist employees with this life transition, empowering them to live healthier lives before, during, and after menopause.

In a recent International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans webcast, “Menopause: The Women’s Health Revolution and Employer Support Strategies,” speakers Tara Anstey, LL.B., CEBS, director of business development and client value at Medavie Blue Cross, and Angela Johnson, CEO of sanoLiving, shared the ways menopausal transition can impact work and the importance of supporting employees at all stages of life.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural life transition experienced by women marked (for most) by the end of monthly menstruation due to loss of ovarian follicular function. The entire journey is divided into three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause and menopause can last over a ten-year period, typically between the ages of 45 to 55.

The symptoms experienced during and following menopausal transition can vary widely from person to person: No one journey is the same. Menopause primarily affects the body’s hormones, especially estrogen. Estrogen receptors are found virtually everywhere in the body, and when estrogen levels decrease during menopause, the entire body system is affected. There are around 48 different symptoms women experience during menopause, the most common being anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain, depression, and fibromyalgia.

More Than Just a Moment

The Menopause Foundation of Canada reports that 75% of women experience confusing, disruptive menopausal symptoms—many of which overlap with the most common causes of workplace absences. On top of that, one in ten women exit the workforce each year due to their symptoms. Women are also twice as likely to have long-term disability mental health claims than men, with an average claimant age of 45—the same age when perimenopause begins for most women. These departures and long-term absences lead to billions in productivity losses each year in the U.S. and Canada.

For the individual, menopausal symptoms can affect relationships, mood, work, and overall quality of life. Unaddressed symptoms can lead to negative long-term health issues including heart disease, osteoporosis, genitourinary issues, and mental health problems. Oftentimes, when struggling at work due to menopausal symptoms, there is a feeling of internal shame that grows into negative self-image. Data from Medavie Blue Cross indicates increased mental health disability claims during the volatile perimenopause transition. Half a woman’s life is shaped by the menopausal journey, but a distinct lack of clinical research for these issues has led to huge gaps in women’s health care and unmet needs around supporting our unique health circumstances. How can employers and wellness professionals bridge the gap?

Creating Support and Finding Relief

It is necessary for organizations to support employees at all life stages, including women experiencing menopause. In order to address the needs of female employees and properly support them, organizations must develop a culture of support. The more support that is given, the more employees feel a sense of belonging and care while at work. Employers can support those experiencing menopause by providing access to proper education, helpful tools, and resources surrounding this life transition, in addition to increased access to care and coverage through benefit and wellness plans. Creative symptom management solutions are also helpful. Things like flexible work hours or ways to control office climate can help female employees feel empowered rather than infantilized. Find some inspiration from the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau.

Individuals going through stages of menopause can manage symptoms through a variety of means, including healthy eating, exercise, proper sleep, and even practicing mindfulness. Supplements and medications can also help to support symptom management and act as a form of preventative care for chronic illness.

Resources

Become a Wellness Alliance member to view webinar recordings. Register for upcoming live events here: https://www.welcoa.org/training/.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR REBECCA PLIER // PR/Communications Specialist • IFEBP

Rebecca Plier is diving headfirst into the wonderful world of employee benefits and workplace wellness. As a PR/Communications Specialist at the International Foundation, a partner organization of the Wellness Alliance, Rebecca shares essential information on educational programming, emerging benefits research data, member resources, and so much more. To maintain balance, she enjoys art journaling and attending regular yoga sessions.