WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY
According to the Government Report on Menopause, menopausal women are the fastest growing workforce demographic.
A 2019 survey by BUPA and the CIPD found that the majority of working women aged 45 to 55 who were experiencing the menopause reported that it had a negative impact at work. The same survey estimated that 900,000 women had so far left their jobs, due to menopausal symptoms. A further study by Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre, found that one-third of women had considered reducing their hours or even leaving their job as a result.
“These are women in the prime of their lives … in their late 40s and 50s, who should be in senior positions ... these are the people who should be the trailblazers and role models for younger people in the workplace”
The fastest growing group of workers are facing significant barriers to success at work. While this is disappointing on its own, women in this age group are likely to be in senior positions - their exit will limit diversity at executive levels and contribute to the gender pay gap. In July, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee launched an inquiry into menopause and the workplace. As more women go through the menopause during their working lives, it is critical that employers ensure they provide the right support.
Female leaders who access coaching are usually going through key life and career stages and are often managing work-life integration within challenging organisational contexts. The most common issues reported for menopausal women in work include a reduced ability to concentrate, feeling more stressed and less patient with clients and colleagues. These are critical factors within the wider dynamics at play when female leaders are establishing their leadership presence through the development of self-confidence, self- efficacy, influence, and authenticity.
Coaching can play an important role in providing specific and tailored support for menopausal women in the workplace.