Menopause is a natural process in a woman’s reproductive life. It’s a natural cessation of her menstrual cycle due to loss of ovarian follicular function and marks the end of her ability to bear children (unless fertility treatments are involved) and have periods.Generally, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and the common symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.Given this situation, working women, who are in this phase, face a lot of problems at their offices. The lack of employer support makes it all worse. Dr. Avir Sarkar, assistant professor (obstetrics and gynaecology), NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, suggests ways office administration can lend support to menopausal women.
Studies Show Plight Of Menopausal Women Employees
Studies done in the last few years state that menopausal women get almost no support in their workplaces, which affects their productivity and output. A 2024 research said there’s “an exigent need for increased awareness and structural changes to support working women going through menopause. The findings have far-reaching implications for not just promoting gender equity and well-being but are also pivotal for maintaining a diversified, engaged, and effective workforce.”
A 2023 study echoed the same sentiment. The “large cross-sectional study identified a major negative impact of menopause symptoms on work outcomes and the need to improve medical treatment for these women and make the workplace environment more supportive. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings in larger and more diverse groups of women.”
Dr. Avir Sarkar says that the biggest challenge menopausal woman face is “the disgrace,” but “Employees play a very important role in giving a supportive environment for menopausal women by bringing up understanding, offering practical assistance, and promoting workplace policies that can fulfil their needs.”
5 Ways Offices Can Support Menopausal Women Employees
According to the doctor, these 5 tips can ensure employer support for menopausal women:
1) Encourage Open Conversation
Employees can break that stigma by having an encouraging and open conversation with menopausal women. The workplace environment should be understanding for them, not judgmental.
2) Offer Empathy
It is mentally and emotionally challenging for such ladies. So, offering some empathy and showing some simple gestures towards them, checking on them, listening to them without judgment or acknowledging their problem can help in showing them support.
3) Flexible Working Hours
Employees can provide them flexible working hours or remote work, as due to menopause symptoms, there can be some sleep disturbances, affecting their productivity. This adjustment can help them bring more to work.
4) Make Small Adjustments
Offices can make small adjustments at the workplace like temperature control to make them feel more comfortable and give them access to fans. Also, ensuring menopausal women get proper rest in the middle of the work so that they don’t feel overpressured is an endearing step.
5) Wellness Programmes
Educational or training programmes can help in breaking old thinking and also provide proper guidance to support women in the workplace during menopause. So, arrange for wellness programmes in which stress management, fitness, and mental health support can benefit these women.
“Menopause is a natural stage in women’s life which brings physical, emotional and also mental challenges. Hot flashes, mood swings, and other issues can impact their workplace performance. It’s high time employers become aware and trained to handle these kinds of situations,” wraps up Dr. Avir Sarkar.