SRI (formerly Stanford Research Institute) and Lisa Health, the company behing the Midday menopause app, recently published a study shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by menopausal women in the workforce. The study, conducted across the United States with 351 working women aged 40–65, aimed to understand the intersection of menopause and professional life.
“There is a notable gap between desired workplace measures — such as formal menopause policies, managerial training, and digital solutions — and their implementation,” said Massimiliano de Zambotti, PhD, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Lisa Health and senior researcher at SRI. “The results underscore an urgent need for increased awareness and structural changes to better support menopausal women in the workforce. Addressing these challenges enhances gender equity and contributes to the overall well-being of employees.”
The study’s findings paint a somewhat sobering picture of the challenges faced by menopausal women in today’s workforce. A staggering 74% of participants reported experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, directly impacting their daily work lives. Furthermore, 54% of women disclosed the added burden of balancing caregiving responsibilities alongside their work commitments.
Perceptions of capability also emerged as a significant concern, with over half (51%) expressing worries about being viewed as less competent due to their symptoms. This sentiment highlights potential biases that menopausal women face in the workplace.
Beyond perception, the study revealed tangible effects on efficiency, as menopausal symptoms predicted high levels of exhaustion among participants, resulting in decreased productivity. Additionally, these symptoms were linked to an increased intention to leave the workforce, signaling a potential retention issue that employers must address.
“This significant research collaboration between SRI and Lisa Health highlights the power of collaboration in driving impactful change,” said Ann Garnier, co-founder and CEO of Lisa Health. “By bringing together scientific research and women’s health advocacy, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and supportive work environment for menopausal women.”
SRI’s head of the Human Sleep Research lab, Fiona Baker commented, “Empowering menopausal women in the workplace is essential for their career progression and overall job satisfaction. Employers are becoming more aware of the unique challenges faced by this demographic and are taking proactive steps to address them. We are excited to drive meaningful change for women in the workforce. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future.”
In conclusion, the study conducted by SRI and Lisa Health underscores the pressing need for workplaces to recognize and address the challenges faced by menopausal women. By implementing formal policies, providing managerial training, and leveraging digital solutions, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.
