Hot flashes, restless nights or memory lapses don’t stop at the office door. However, in many companies, menopause remains a subject that is rarely discussed, if at all. As International Women’s Day approaches, a study conducted by LiveCareer among 900 women currently in menopause or who have already gone through it reminds us of the extent to which this reality can weigh on the professional lives of many employees.
Symptoms that directly affect professional life
Menopause is not just about the personal sphere. For many women, it also influences the way they work and the ability to keep up with the same pace as before.
According to the study, 69% of participants said that menopausal symptoms disrupted their performance at work. The consequences, whether physical or mental, affect their ability to concentrate, their efficiency and their confidence at work:
- Mood changes or anxiety: 61%;
- Problems concentrating or reduced productivity: 60%;
- Mental confusion or memory loss: 52%;
- Sleep problems or fatigue: 46%;
- Hot flashes or physical discomfort: 17%;
- Only 3% say they have not experienced symptoms.
Difficulties that can make some professional days more complicated than usual.
Consequences on professional careers
Over time, these constraints can also weigh on career choices. The study shows that 31% of employees surveyed have considered changing jobs, positions or reducing their working hours because of menopause.
Behind these figures, a reality emerges: for some women, this period of life can influence their professional trajectory, sometimes after many years of experience and investment in their profession.
A subject that is still difficult to discuss in companies
Despite its impact on daily professional life, menopause remains largely invisible in the world of work.
The study reveals that 97% of women feel pressure to hide or downplay their symptoms at work. A silence which is not only a matter of personal modesty, but also of an environment where the subject seems delicate to approach. For many employees, corporate culture plays a determining role. The fear of being perceived as less effective or less reliable pushes some people to say nothing.
The results of the LiveCareer study show that menopause at work remains a sensitive subject, which affects health, well-being and the place of women in the company. According to Jasmine Escalera, career expert at LiveCareer“the world of work must make a profound change so that women no longer feel obliged to hide their problems linked to menopause. The lack of dialogue can be a heavy burden for women and lead to other worrying consequences such as burnout, stress, loneliness or disengagement..