October 18 is World Menopause Day

World Menopause Day on October 18 draws attention to a phase in women's lives that is accompanied by major changes and often also physical ailments. Most women experience the onset of the menopause in the second half or at the end of the fourth decade of life, some even earlier. Many women then report symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disorders, muscle and joint pain, depression, physical and mental exhaustion, difficulty concentrating and irritability, to name but a few. For women in menopause affected by symptoms and discomfort, this phase can be particularly challenging at work, as this can have an impact on capability and job performance. If we ignore the particular challenges that the menopause poses for many women, there is a risk of reduced ability to work, increased stress levels and a reduced ability to concentrate for female employees. Many women then reduce their working hours or stop working altogether. However, older female employees in particular contribute their professional experience, specialist expertise, strong problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities as important resources. Employers can help them to maintain their work and capabilities by offering to adapt their working conditions. The British CIPD study (2023) shows a significant reduction in absenteeism and an increase in the capabilities of female employees in the menopause due to targeted support in the workplace. Addressing the topic sensitively and openly is easier said than done for all sides, and hardly any employer offers structurally anchored measures to support the affected female employees. If you are in a leading position and want to take action yourself to support the women in your department or group, you can find helpful basic information and from page 25 onwards also examples of situations and approaches in BARMER's Menopause@work brochure.