A WHISE Case Study
WHISE has developed a case study outlining the development and implementation of menopause policies in two workplaces.
The aim of the case study is to promote uptake of menopause workplace policies. The case study highlights the process for developing and implementing workplace policies for menopause across different organisations.
Perimenopause & Menopause in Australia
Perimenopause and menopause affect all women or people assigned female at birth. Australia’s female population is ageing. This means perimenopause and menopause are impacting a larger portion of women.
Perimenopause and menopause symptoms range in type, severity and duration. The average length of symptoms is 5 – 10 years. Some of the most common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, aches, and pains, fatigue or lethargy, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, weight changes, and mental health changes including depressive moods, anxiety and irritability.
Perimenopause and menopause can have a significant impact on women’s health outcomes. Research indicates that post-menopausal women have an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures, heart attack and heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
A 2021 study found 83% of women experiencing menopause were affected at work (Circle In, Driving the change: Menopause and the workplace). Up to 13% retired or took an extended break from work when their symptoms were severe. Only 3% felt they had received excellent support from their workforce and 60% said it was poor or below average.
It’s beneficial for both the organisation and employees to address menopause in workplaces. According to the Australasian Menopause Society, collaborating with employees and including menopausal health in policies can improve an inclusive organisational culture and avoid discrimination against employees with menopausal symptoms.