If Menopause had a job description, it might read “Toughest Gig in Town: Navigating the Hormonal Highwire…. at Work!". The experience required would be having a uterus and hefty dashes of resilience. The role would be advertised as promising challenge and growth. It will provide unparalleled experiences, unleash your superpowers, redefine success and make you more valuable than ever.

Do you apply? Do you prepare for this role?

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate culture and workplace change, one significant opportunity often overlooked is the impact of menopause on women like Sally in the workplace. It doesn’t need to be that way.

Menopause isn't just a personal journey

Recent data from the 2023 Korn Ferry report titled 'Understanding the Role of Menopause in Work and Careers,' based on a survey of 8,000 women globally, sheds light on the importance of this issue.

Turning Negatives into Positives

One key finding is women who approached menopause optimistically had more positive workplace experiences. Those who embraced it as a natural life stage reported better outcomes. The opportunity is to normalise menopause, reduce negative stigma and stereotypes to foster a positive mindset around menopause which yields significant benefits for both individuals and businesses.

Addressing the Impact of Symptoms

Nearly half of the women surveyed experienced perimenopause/menopause-related symptoms that disrupted their lives and work performance. A startling 40% reported dealing with six or more different symptoms. The absence of education and support mean symptoms have a tangible impact on productivity and overall well-being.

The Cry for Support

Despite the prevalence of menopause-related issues, women felt unsupported in the workplace regarding their needs during this phase. This lack of support extended across all areas, including from managers, HR departments, and senior leadership. This is a massive opportunity for businesses to make a positive change which will have a positive impact on the experience, psychological wellbeing and productivity of women at work.  

Breaking the Silence

I spent years sweating through meetings, navigating dizziness, feeling emotionally and physically exhausted most of the time. Having worked hard as a woman leader and mum of 4, menopause show & tell was not on my radar. I supported women in my organisation. But as the Chief People Officer I was struggling too much myself to progress the menopause agenda. Pushing on in silence made everything worse.

Silence Comes With Costs

One particularly concerning finding was that women were not communicating about their perimenopause/menopause experiences at work. This silence had a ripple effect, negatively impacting career progression outcomes, absenteeism, and ultimately, leading to turnover. Senior leadership positions were hit particularly hard. It's time for businesses to break the silence and create an open dialogue around menopause.

Menopossibility – The Positive Side of Menopause

Interestingly, the survey revealed positive aspects of menopause at work. About one-quarter of the sample reported an increase in personal awareness due to menopause. This newfound self-awareness can be channeled into personal and professional growth if harnessed effectively.

Questions for Your Businesses to Consider

Now that we've explored the key insights from the 2023 Korn Ferry report, let's delve into how businesses can turn this opportunity into a positive workplace culture:

1. Are we fostering a positive mindset around menopause within our organization? Are we opening the conversation in ways that promote a healthy perspective on menopause?
2. Are we aware of the symptoms and challenges faced by women in our workforce? Do we understand the unique experiences of our employees to provide relevant support?
3. How can we improve support systems for women going through menopause?
4. Are we creating the context for safe, open communication about menopause in our workplace? How can we encourage employees to share experiences and concerns, and ensure that managers are resourced to be receptive and supportive?

Taking Action with Meno Collective

To kickstart your journey towards a menopause-friendly workplace, consider Meno Collective's 'Navigating Menopause Together' workshop. This program is designed to create awareness, promote positive discussions, and equip your organisation with the tools needed to support women during this life-stage transition.

The 2023 Korn Ferry report highlights the multifaceted impact of menopause in the workplace. This is a commercial and cultural opportunity. By fostering a positive mindset, addressing symptoms, providing support, and encouraging open communication, you can create a workplace where women thrive during this phase of life. It's not just about gender equality; it's about creating an inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking corporate culture that benefits everyone involved.

Find more information on our website we’d love to chat.