Menopause and Work: An Underestimated Issue in the Workplace

The Impact of Menopause on Workplace Productivity

Symptoms that are invisible but very real

Menopause-related symptoms aren't limited to hot flashes. Many women experience severe fatigue, often caused by disrupted sleep. This lack of rest leads to cognitive slowdown, known as "brain fog": forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and slow decision-making…

A loss of confidence that is difficult to make up for

These symptoms directly affect performance. Some female employees go to great lengths to hide their condition, at the risk of falling into presenteeism: they are physically present but mentally absent. Fear of judgment or stereotyping drives them to silence, further isolating them. 

A workplace that is still ill-suited to menopause

A Double Taboo: Health and Gender

Menopause suffers from a double invisibility: it is both a health issue and a gender issue. While companies know how to handle pregnancy, they very rarely incorporate menopause into their HR policies.

According to a British study conducted by Forth With Life among 1,000 menopausal female employees in the United Kingdom, 90% of them believe that their company has no adequate policies in place to support them: a figure that highlights the silence and lack of action on this issue

Sectors under significant pressure have been particularly hard hit

In physically demanding fields such as logistics, healthcare, or education, these symptoms can be particularly debilitating. Without flexibility or accommodations, some women have no choice but to take sick leave or resign, resulting in a significant loss of experienced talent.

Best practices around the world: inspiring examples

The United Kingdom is leading the way on this issue

The United Kingdom is one of the first countries to take this issue seriously. Organizations such as the BBC and the NHS have implemented clear policies: raising awareness among staff, training managers, flexible work schedules, special leave, and more.

Effective awareness campaigns elsewhere

In Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, national campaigns are promoting dialogue and breaking the taboo. Some companies provide quiet spaces, improved ventilation, or access to mental health support.

What French companies can implement starting today

1. Awareness-raising and training for supervisors

Training managers and HR professionals on the realities of menopause is an essential first step. This helps foster an atmosphere of trust and openness, which is essential for providing effective support.

2. Adapt work arrangements

• Occasional remote work
• Flexible hours
• Shorter or better-planned meetings

These simple adjustments ease the pressure on the employees involved.

3. Adapting the physical environment

Quiet spaces, good ventilation, or even access to showers can transform the daily office experience. These are low-cost solutions that have an immediate impact on well-being.

4. Provide comprehensive support

Offering wellness services, coaching, or partnerships with specialized providers like Athana is an innovative and people-centered approach.

Athana: Innovation for Workplace Well-being

At Athana, we believe that technology can make work life easier for women going through menopause. That’s why we developed Héra: a portable natural cryotherapy device, specifically designed to relieve hot flashes in the workplace. 

To learn more about our innovative approach and user feedback, check out our article on the origins of Héra.

In addition to providing immediate relief, Héra connects to a smart mobile app, allowing for better symptom tracking and contributing to medical research. It is a solution that serves both individual and collective needs.

FAQ – Menopause and Productivity at Work

1. What are the most common symptoms that affect work performance?
Fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, anxiety, irritability, and hot flashes.

2. Why is menopause still a taboo subject in the workplace?
Due to a lack of understanding, gender stereotypes, and the absence of specific HR policies.

3. Which sectors are most affected by the lack of accommodations?
Logistics, healthcare, education, and the restaurant industry: all jobs with fixed schedules or that require physical labor.

4. What practical solutions can be implemented?
Team training, flexible schedules, office layout adjustments, and psychological support.

5. What is menopause-related presenteeism?
It refers to coming to work despite debilitating symptoms, to the detriment of actual productivity.

6. Are there any innovations designed to support female employees?
Yes, solutions like Athana’s Héra offer natural, discreet, and connected devices to relieve symptoms.

Conclusion: Working Toward a More Humane World of Work

It is urgent to break the silence surrounding menopause in the workplace. This natural stage of life, experienced by half of the female workforce, must finally be taken into account in policies related to inclusion, performance, and health.

Companies have everything to gain by taking action: lower absenteeism, greater employee retention, and a more positive work environment. At Athana, we firmly believe that every woman going through menopause possesses a unique strength. It’s up to us to honor and support her.