If you're a woman in your 40's, 50's or older, actively employed working in an office, institution, etc., or if you work from home, let me ask you a question. Or, maybe you're reading this as someone who cares about your colleagues. This question is for you too.
Well, a few questions.
Do you experience menopause symptoms and adverse affects of poor sleep, brain fog, hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, urinary or other discomforts during your work day? Do your symptoms lead you to call in sick? Do you consider early retirement or a leave of absence because it's simply all too much? Are you too embarrassed to admit these issues to your employer because they simply wouldn't understand, nor support you and you fear bias, stigmatization, or discrimination? Or that it would somehow impact that promotion or your yearly review?
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you're not alone.
The Menopause Foundation of Canada recently published an eye opening report, "The Silence and the Stigma: Menopause in Canada". There are an estimated 10 million women over the age of 40 in Canada. Approximately 5 million women are in the workforce, and approximately 2 million of these women are between the ages of 45-55, the on-average time in which these symptoms begin manifesting. It is also typically the time women are being presented with career advancing opportunities. However, with symptoms impacting their life, they also fear ageism, with 3 in 10 fearing they will be perceived as weak or old. The report also indicates 1 in 10 women will leave the workforce due to their symptoms of menopause. The report made it very clear, "As companies look to improve diversity, equity and inclusion, it is time to focus on the needs of older women. We have made great strides dealing openly with other life changes, such as pregnancy. Like pregnancy, menopause is just another phase of life. The difference is pregnancy doesn’t happen to every woman – menopause does."
A newly published Mayo Clinic Study estimated $1.8 billion in lost work time per year and $26.6 billion annually when medical expenses are added, in the U.S. alone.
The study surveyed 4, 440 working women ages 45-60 who were experiencing menopause related symptoms as defined by the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) over the time period of March 1, 2021 - June 30, 2021. These were some of the findings:
13% of women reported adverse work outcomes due to menopause symptoms
11% of women were missing days of work
The research showed increased numbers for certain racial and ethnic groups
"Our research suggests a critical need to address this issue for women in the workplace," Dr. Faubion says. "Clinicians need to ask women about menopause symptoms and offer guidance and treatment, and employers need to create and implement workplace strategies and policies to help women navigate this universal life transition."
I couldn't agree more.....
The UK is far ahead of us (Canadians) in how they support working women in the menopause years. In fact, companies there can obtain a "Menopause Friendly Accreditation", meaning they are known as an employer that creates a safe environment for these conversations to take place, and the company offers appropriate resources to support colleagues. The US is starting to make headway in this area, but like us here in Canada, we have much work to do.
In Canada, menopause and perimenopause advocacy is certainly gaining traction. The Globe and Mail published an article November 17, 2021 titled "we should be talking about menopause at work", referencing similar feelings by women that more education and support is needed, both for women and employers alike. And while there are Canadian Agencies like the Menopause Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Menopause Society advocating for women in the workplace, we need to be doing more.
How we can begin to make a difference, supporting women's health during this phase, but also to support the employer in reducing adverse work outcomes from their corporate standpoint and make a workplace culture where all can thrive:
1. Start With Education and Awareness
Women, and all folks would benefit from understanding the hormone shifts that happen to a woman during her perimenopause and menopause years; the serious effects it can have on cardiovascular disease, mental health, orthopedic issues, brain health and more. Plus the effects it has on relationships outside the workplace. How many women or folks do you know who's relationships are struggling during this time? With education and awareness comes a new level of support and the ability to make positive changes that benefit all.
2. Create a Safe Workplace Environment
All employees should be able to tap into resources that provide education or support in this area. Think about it, what if your employee was a male for example, whose wife was experiencing troublesome symptoms and he wanted to help. Or, a younger employee in a leadership position wanted to better support their staff but simply doesn't have the tools to know what to look for or offer as supports. All employees, on all levels, of all ages and gender deserve to have access to this type of information.
3. Funding and Policy Changes
More research is needed to support women's health and treatment options for this phase of their life. And with that, create appropriate policies and supports for all people in the workplace.
If you are a woman whose work is being impacted by perimenopause or menopause symptoms and you'd want to take charge of your health, you can book a complimentary call, or start 1-1 health coaching with me.
If you are an employer looking for more information, or simply want to start the conversation on how to better support your employees, you can email me at annaolchowecki17@gmail.com . Together we can create a plan unique to your organization's needs.
References:
Anna Olchowecki is a Registered Nurse Case Manager turned Women's Health Coach and Speaker with over 20 years of experience.
She helps women in their 40s & 50s who are feeling frustrated by the weight gain, brain fog and hot flashes associated with perimenopause/menopause learn to work with their changing hormones so they can thrive in their roles as mothers, caregivers and working professionals while also feeling completely free to step into living the life they crave and deserve.
She serves women locally in Guelph, Fergus, Elora, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge AND virtually worldwide.
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