Menopause: impact on work and well-being

According to figures from TNO, no less than 80% of all Dutch women experience menopause during their lifetime. Every year, 1.8 million Dutch women between the ages of 45 and 60 go through menopause, with a third of them experiencing severe symptoms. Menopause affects the well-being of these employees, which can lead to reduced productivity and increased sick leave.

Complaints vary and differ from woman to woman. Common symptoms during menopause include hot flashes, menstrual disorders, poorer sleep quality and mood swings. These symptoms have a major impact on the work and well-being of this group of women.

Women can take action themselves, for example by following lifestyle advice or seeking medical treatment. The occupational physician, occupational health nurse, and lifestyle coach can play a role in recognizing and acknowledging the issues and providing advice.

Encourage open discussion

Encouraging open discussion about the menopause in the workplace is very important, but in some cases this can be quite a hurdle to overcome, because it is still considered a taboo subject. Women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause should feel free to discuss this with their managers,  so that possible adjustments or solutions can also be considered. An open work environment in which women feel supported and heard contributes to this. 

As an employer, you can also make a positive contribution by gaining sufficient knowledge and becoming aware of the impact that menopause can have. If the threshold is too high for the employee, you can recognize the signs and initiate a conversation with the colleague(s) concerned.

Help from employers

These employees experience a number of issues in the workplace. Examples include issues related to (physical) discomfort, not being able or willing to openly discuss it due to the company culture, stress at work, fixed working hours, (inadequate) ventilation, temperature and work clothing. 

As an employer, you can make an important contribution in helping to address these issues:

• Flexible working hours, hybrid working

By offering flexible working hours, employees can tailor their working day to the times when they feel most fit and well. Hybrid working (partly at home, partly at the office) also gives women the opportunity to choose a comfortable work environment that suits their physical and mental state at that moment.

• Good ventilation and temperature control

Hot flashes are a common symptom during menopause. A well-ventilated workspace and the ability to control the temperature yourself, for example, by opening a window, using a fan or air conditioning, can help reduce discomfort. Employers can also consider their clothing policy to ensure that employees can dress lightly and comfortably.

• Access to private spaces to rest or freshen up

After a hot flash, it is sometimes necessary to take a moment to rest or freshen up. A quiet space where employees can go without having to explain themselves provides comfort and discretion. Consider a relaxation room or a space with a sink, comfortable chair and some privacy.

• Adjust working hours to energy levels

Energy levels can fluctuate greatly during menopause. By talking to employees and giving them the flexibility to adjust their work schedules – for example, fewer hours at peak times or temporary changes to their tasks – employers can show their understanding of this stage of life. This can prevent sick leave and maintain job satisfaction.

Workshops: ‘Menopause: the impact on work and well-being’

To support HR professionals, managers and employees in this area, we have developed workshops for these target groups entitled ‘Menopause: the impact on work and well-being’. 

By actively encouraging discussion about menopause, you can demonstrate that your organisation cares about the health and well-being of your employees. The workshops offer practical knowledge and tools to improve working conditions and open up the conversation about this often sensitive topic. This helps you contribute to an inclusive, healthy work culture where employees feel supported – ultimately translating into higher productivity and lower sick leave costs. 

Want to know more?

Want to know more about menopause or the workshops we offer? Please get in touch with your regular contact person at HumanCapitalCare.