Impact of menopausal symptoms on work and careers: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Women over 50 years are one of the fastest-growing employment groups. Menopausal symptoms can adversely impact quality of life, work performance and attendance; however, few studies look at the impact of individual menopausal symptoms on work and career development. Aims To measure the prevalence of menopausal symptoms in employees in a healthcare setting, to assess the impact of individual symptoms on work, attendance and career development and to explore perceptions about workplace supports. Methods In this cross-sectional study of Irish hospital workers, menopausal employees were asked about the frequency of 10 menopausal symptoms and the extent to which each symptom impacted them at work. Impacts on performance, attendance and career development were assessed, along with the benefits of workplace support. Results Responses from 407 women showed that the most common menopausal symptoms affecting employees greater than 50% of the time while at work were fatigue (54%), difficulty sleeping (47%), poor concentration (44%) and poor memory (40%). Work performance was impacted for 65% of respondents and 18% had taken sick leave. There was a significant association between symptom severity at work and reduced work performance, career development decisions and attendance. Manager awareness about menopause (29%) and flexible working times (29%) were selected as the most important workplace supports. Conclusions Female employees are negatively impacted by menopausal symptoms while at work, particularly by psychological and neurocognitive symptoms which were associated with reduced work performance, attendance and career decisions. Manager awareness and flexible schedules were considered the most beneficial workplace supports.

“Not feeling like myself” in perimenopause — what does it mean? Observations from the Women Living Better survey

“…A study of 308 Turkish women about the effect of menopausal symptoms on daily activities revealed that sleep problems and mental and physical exhaustion were the two most frequently reported symptoms 33 . A recent study of the impact of menopause at work in 407 women found that menopausal symptoms affected employees more than 50% of their work time and the most prevalent symptoms reported were fatigue (54%) and difficulty sleeping (47%) 34 . Fatigue is not commonly acknowledged as associated with the MT despite its prevalence among midlife women.…”

“…33 A recent study of the impact of menopause at work in 407 women found that menopausal symptoms affected employees more than 50% of their work time and the most prevalent symptoms reported were fatigue (54%) and difficulty sleeping (47%). 34 Fatigue is not commonly acknowledged as associated with the MT despite its prevalence among midlife women. However, sleep disruption is associated with the MT and clearly contributes to fatigue.…”