There’s no doubt menopause can be a challenging time for many women. So, can Australia’s workplaces do more to support them?
We know that women are often under-represented in the workforce, especially in leadership positions.
Currently, only 22 percent of Australian CEOs are women.
Executive women believe that greater menopause support is the key to getting more women into leadership positions.
They argue that many women hit menopause just as their careers are peaking and, therefore, need to be better supported to manage their symptoms.
Experts say the best way to drive economic growth is to improve women’s economic participation in the workforce.
Studies reveal that hormonal changes and access to healthcare are causing many women to leave the workforce. This is partly why, on average, women have less retirement savings than men.
According to the Australian Institute Of Superannuation Trustees, the effects of menopause on women aged 50 to 54 cost the Australian economy $15.2 billion each year in lost earnings and superannuation.
They estimate that women lose an average of 7.4 years of employment due to the effects of menopause. According to British studies, one in four women consider leaving work due to menopause symptoms. In addition, many women move from full-time to part-time work to manage their menopause symptoms.
What can be done?
Parliament is currently moving to increase awareness of menopause and put the onus on businesses to better support their staff.
Advocates say access to private spaces during menopause and perimenopause and flexibility around hours can go a long way to supporting women experiencing menopause. Doing so will reduce women’s need to take time off while experiencing menopause symptoms.
Many women also want support to access healthcare.
A senate committee recently recommended women have the right to work from home while experiencing menopause.
Throughout life, women adapt to physiological change, making them well-placed to adapt to change in the workplace.
Employers and HR trainers should be better trained to support women undergoing menopause. This is an issue that affects many women, yet it is often misunderstood and not openly discussed. It is estimated up to 28 percent of women have menopause symptoms which are significant enough to affect their participation in the workforce.
However, many women may not even recognise the signs of menopause, attributing their symptoms to stress and pressure. Brain fog, anxiety, fatigue and aching joints can all be symptoms of menopause.
Unions have called for 10 days of menopause leave for women. They argue it would destigmatise the issue of menopause.
The introduction of menopause leave would not be without precedent.
Earlier this year, the Queensland government announced public service workers would be entitled to 10 days of paid reproductive leave for treatment for menopause, endometriosis, IVF, and other reproductive health issues.
However, some experts have questioned whether menopause leave is necessary. Susan Davis, director of the Women’s Health Research Program at Monash University argues that there is not enough evidence to suggest that menopause is the reason women are leaving the workforce early.
Therefore, menopause leave may prove unnecessary and costly to businesses. In addition, Davis believes its implementation could undermine women’s progress in their careers.
Nevertheless, it is clear more support is needed for working women.
Women make up half of the workforce. So it goes without saying that they should be supported to maximise their chances of career success.
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References
Chamas, Z & Hayter, R (30 July 2024) ‘Australian unions call for 10 days paid reproductive leave to support women dealing with menopause and perimenopause’, ABC News, accessed 1 October 2024.
Powell, S (17 May 2024) ‘‘I thought I had dementia’: How menopause crimps income and super”, Financial Review, accessed 2 October 2024.
Wootton, H (19 September 2024) ‘More menopause support will get more women into top jobs, leaders say’, Financial Review, accessed 1 October 2024.
Wootton, H (18 September 2024) ‘What bosses (and husbands) need to know about menopause”, Financial Review, accessed 2 October 2024.