‘Employers still overlooking menopause issues at work’

Two-thirds (66%) of perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal workers believe there is still a taboo surrounding the menopause, with over two-fifths (43%) saying that it has or could present a barrier in the workplace, according to new research for World Menopause Day on Tuesday.

Despite three-quarters (74%) of adults they are aware of the menopause being more openly discussed in recent years, only two-fifths (38%) say their own employer is helping to raise awareness, according to a survey by KPMG.

Only a fifth (18%) of those surveyed say they felt supported by their own employer when they developed symptoms. In fact, nearly half (48%) say their employer doesn’t have a menopause policy in place, while two-fifths (39%) are unsure.

Among the most popular support measures respondents want their employers to implement are adjustments to working patterns (38%) and working environments (34%) as well as more open conversations in the workplace and better education on the issue for managers (33% respectively).

Rachel Hopcroft, Partner and Head of Corporate Affairs at KPMG in the UK, said: “Just over half of the UK population will go through the menopause at some point in their life, yet it’s still a topic that is seen as taboo – especially in the workplace. Our research findings reinforce the need to get over any discomfort and normalise the issue, especially if we want to make diverse and inclusive workplaces a reality for all.”

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