A new study from LiveCareer, an online resume and career resource, sheds light on a topic too often left unspoken: menopause in the workplace. In the Working Through Menopause Report, which surveyed nearly 900 employed women who are currently experiencing or have gone through menopause, 69 percent said their symptoms significantly affected their job performance, and an overwhelming 97 percent felt pressure to hide or minimize what they’re going through at work.
Some key findings include:
● 7 out of 10 women (69 percent) reported that menopause symptoms significantly disrupted their work performance.
● Nearly a third (31 percent) have considered changing jobs, roles, or reducing their hours due to menopause.
● 97 percent felt pressured to hide or downplay their symptoms at work.
● Among those who remain silent, company culture was the top reason for not discussing menopause at work.
Menopause Impacts Experienced, Mid-Career Professionals
The survey found that 91 percent of women begin experiencing symptoms before age 50, the same period many step into senior management or leadership roles.
● Under 45 – 38 percent
● 45 to 49 – 53 percent
● 50 to 54 – 7 percent
● 55 or older – 2 percent
Top Symptoms Disrupting Work
Women reported that both physical and cognitive symptoms interfere with focus, productivity, and confidence on the job:
● Mood swings or anxiety – 61 percent
● Trouble focusing or staying productive – 60 percent
● Brain fog or memory lapses – 52 percent
● Sleep issues or fatigue – 46 percent
● Hot flashes or physical discomfort – 17 percent
● Only 3 percent said they had experienced no symptoms.
Suffering in Silence
Despite menopause symptoms disrupting work for most women, the topic remains largely unspoken in the workplace. A culture of silence and stigma leaves many midlife women managing serious symptoms without support.
● 97 percent said they have felt pressure to hide or downplay menopause symptoms at work.
● Nearly one in three (31 percent) have considered changing jobs, roles, or reducing hours due to menopause.
● Among those who have chosen to not speak about menopause at work:
- 61 percent said their company culture doesn’t support those conversations.
- 61 percent feared being judged.
- 33 percent didn’t think it was relevant to discuss.
- 20 percent haven’t spoken up yet but plan to.
- 18 percent said they don’t trust HR.
“The workplace needs to undergo a serious shift so that women no longer have to feel silenced by their menopause experiences,” says Jasmine Escalera, career expert for LiveCareer. “The lack of openness can be a serious burden for women to carry and can lead to other concerning outcomes like burnout, stress, loneliness, and disengagement from work.”
