How employers can support women during the menopause
9 million women are going through the menopause. Many of them have symptoms and often retire early or reduce their working hours. Employers can support women and thus retain important employees.
Wechseljahre und Job: Warum es wichtig ist, im Job darüber zu reden!
9 million women are currently going through the menopause. Nevertheless, women with menopausal symptoms often fall through the cracks at work. While people call in sick when they have the flu, women keep quiet about sleep disorders, hot flushes or concentration problems and continue to work as "normally" as possible.
The study "Menosupport" (2023) by the Berlin School of Economics and Law shows that complaints influence career decisions and that a quarter of women reduce their hours, reduce their job or take time out, for example a sabbatical. One in five women even retire earlier from the age of 55.
Exciting facts from the "Menosupport" study:
- 68% of the women surveyed would like to see more open communication.
- 57% want more support from employers.
- 24% reduce their working hours due to complaints.
- 19 % are planning to retire early.
Wenn Sie wissen möchten, wie sie die Symptome der Menopause besser in den Griff bekommen können, lesen Sie diesen Artikel: Hilfreiche Tipps für entspanntere Wechseljahre
How can I as an employer support women going through the menopause?
Employers can support women - and not only sharpen their employer brand, but also better retain their female employees with many years of expertise and attract new employees.
1. promote open communication
An open atmosphere helps to break down taboos. This makes it easier for women to talk about complaints and get help.
2. integrate company health management
Information on hormonal changes, nutrition and prevention provide women with targeted support.
3. offer relief in everyday working life
- Flexible working hours
- Home office with stress
- Relaxation rooms for short breaks
- Simple sick notes
4. enable psychosocial support
- Psychological counseling (company psychologists).
- Coaching and mentoring specifically for women.
- Courses on stress management, meditation, yoga, mindfulness.
Dr. Mosconi encourages a new awareness of the menopause. She does not see it as the end, but as an important transition with opportunities for growth.
