Three out of five (59%) working women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are experiencing menopause symptoms say it has a negative impact on them at work, according to the CIPD.
It’s urging employers to break the workplace taboo on the topic and offer more support, ranging from having a desk fan to accessing flexible working.
The CIPD’s research surveyed 1,409 women with menopause symptoms. Of those affected negatively at work, 65% said they were less able to concentrate, 58% that they experienced more stress and 52% that they felt less patient with clients and colleagues.
Thirty per cent said they’d taken sick leave because of their symptoms, but only a quarter felt able to tell their manager the real reason for their absence.