Menopause affects millions of women worldwide, with profound impacts on their work lives. In Germany, there is growing recognition that this life stage brings not only health but also economic challenges. Symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, and concentration difficulties can impair productivity and lead to increased absenteeism. Yet, despite these challenges, menopause remains largely a taboo topic in the workplace.
The impact of menopause on the German job market
A nationwide survey conducted by the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR) reveals the extent to which menopause affects professional life. About a quarter of women with menopause symptoms have reduced their working hours, and nearly one in five women over 55 is considering early retirement. Fewer work hours or early retirement means not only income losses for women but also economic losses for companies and the broader economy.
The costs of sick leave in Germany add up to millions of euros. Women aged 45 to 60 represent a significant part of the workforce, and menopause exacerbates existing labor shortages. Women in this age group are often highly skilled and experienced, making their loss particularly impactful for businesses.
International insights: comparisons with the UK and USA
In the UK, around 4.5 million women aged 46 to 55 experience menopause symptoms. The annual costs due to absenteeism and productivity losses related to menopause are estimated at about £1.5 billion. Roughly 20% of affected women regularly report sick leave. These figures show that menopause impacts not only personal well-being but also has considerable economic implications.
The USA faces similar challenges. A McKinsey study estimates that improving support for women during menopause could result in a global economic gain of up to $1 trillion. These figures underline the urgency of taking action to alleviate the health and economic burdens of menopause.
Menopause-related absenteeism and productivity losses cost the global economy billions every year. Every woman deserves full support during this stage—it’s an investment in a healthier, more productive workforce for everyone.
Physical and psychological symptoms impacting job performance
Menopause symptoms are diverse and can affect women’s work abilities in various ways. Some of the most common productivity-impairing symptoms include:
Hot flushes: sudden waves of heat and sweating are uncomfortable in any profession, especially for those in the spotlight, training roles, customer-facing positions, physical jobs, or jobs requiring uniforms.
Sleep disturbances: these lead to fatigue and exhaustion, affecting concentration and performance across all types of work.
Cognitive issues (e.g., brain fog): difficulties in thinking, memory loss, and concentration problems hinder women, particularly in cognitively demanding jobs.
Muscle and Joint Pain: these symptoms present added challenges in physically demanding roles and increase the risk of absences.
In fields where precision and quick reactions are essential—such as pilots, bus drivers, or medical personnel—symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues can have serious repercussions. Studies show that almost 57% of women feel less productive due to their symptoms.
Lack of support and stigmatization at work
Despite the significant effects of menopause symptoms, only around 10% of women in Germany report receiving workplace support, according to the HWR study. This lack of support often leads to feelings of isolation and shame, with many women concealing their symptoms.
The fear of discrimination plays a major role here. Many women worry that they will be seen as less capable if they openly discuss their menopause symptoms. As a result, nearly half of those affected do not seek workplace support, even when they need it.
Don't underestimate the power of raising awareness about menopause at work. When companies act, they create a healthier, more supportive environment that improves well-being and productivity for everyone. Together, we can break the taboo.
A holistic solution for companies
To mitigate the effects of menopause on both women and businesses, a holistic approach is necessary, encompassing health promotion and personalized support:
Health literacy and digital training: companies should offer training programs to raise awareness about menopause. Such programs can inform both managers and employees about symptoms and coping strategies. Training for managers is especially crucial to foster a supportive and stigma-free workplace culture.
Personalized therapy and support: tailored therapeutic approaches help women better manage symptoms and maintain their work capacity. Companies could provide health services or collaborate with specialized health providers like Evela Health.
Companion app for tracking and success monitoring: A digital companion app can assist in tracking symptoms and measuring treatment outcomes. Continuous data collection can improve treatment plans, enhancing women’s quality of life and productivity.
For EU compliance and ESG points: menopause support belongs in reporting
With new EU directives such as the CSDDD and CSRD, companies are now required to report more comprehensively on social sustainability issues. Supporting women through menopause promotes an inclusive work environment, boosts productivity, and strengthens employee retention—all factors increasingly relevant in the ESG context.
Implementation timeline
The CSRD will be implemented in stages: starting in 2024 for large publicly listed companies (with over 500 employees), in 2025 for large companies with over 250 employees or 40 million euros in revenue, and in 2026 for publicly listed SMEs.
By supporting women through menopause, companies demonstrate social responsibility and meet regulatory requirements.
Sources:
HWR Berlin – MenoSupport Study: https://www.hwr-berlin.de/meta/presse/pressemitteilungen/pressemitteilung-detail/3719-volkswirtschaftlich-brisant-wechseljahre-am-arbeitsplatz/
NHS Confederation – Women's Health Economics: https://www.nhsconfed.org/system/files/2024-10/Women%27s-health-economics.pdf
McKinsey – Closing the Women's Health Gap: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies
EU - Corporate sustainability reporting:https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en