Prevent menopausal symptoms from leading to absenteeism

There is still a taboo surrounding menopause. This makes it difficult for employers to initiate conversations about it. Nevertheless, it is an important topic, as 80% of women between the ages of 40 and 60 experience at least one menopausal symptom, which can sometimes last up to ten years. The good news is that a menopause coach or consultant can offer help.

By Myrtille van Hout

Menopause is an underestimated problem
For many women, menopause is a period filled with discomfort and misunderstanding. Hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, weight gain, and insomnia are the most well-known symptoms. But heart palpitations, dizziness, restless legs, dry eyes, muscle and joint pain, and even panic attacks can also be part of menopausal complaints. Menopause is an underestimated problem, even by women themselves.

How many women between 40 and 60?
Knowing this, you can imagine that menopausal symptoms can lead to absenteeism and sometimes even to people dropping out of work. As an employer, it is therefore important to pay attention to this. How many women between the ages of 40 and 60 actually work at your organization? And are they aware that the complaints they experience may be related to menopause?

Show understanding
We therefore advise not to avoid the conversation about menopause within your organization. Use your internal communication channels to provide information and let your employees know that they can come to you with their complaints. If someone, for example, does not sleep well at night, allow them to start an hour later or take extra leave. Or, for jobs that require standing, provide more breaks or a tool to relieve joint pain. For many women, simply showing understanding already makes a big difference.

Menopause coach or consultant
If someone is experiencing severe symptoms, the help of a menopause coach or consultant is no unnecessary luxury. Adjusting diet and lifestyle, increasing physical activity and relaxation, and sometimes hormone therapy can (significantly) reduce symptoms. By offering support, you may be able to prevent someone from dropping out of work.

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