Support for women’s careers with respect to their health during menopause

Menopause is a natural biological transition experienced by women aged 45-55. This new life stage of the menstrual cycle presents significant changes for women due to shifts in hormone levels. While the term “menopause” is common, society’s understanding of it often falls short.

How does the work environment affect menopausal women?

According to a survey, conducted by an online media “PURA VIDA” in 2023, only 11.7% of women in the corporate world feel their workplace understands and supports those dealing with menopausal symptoms. Another study found that 64.5% of women in this phase continue working hard while concealing their health issues. As their symptoms intensify, many women abandon their careers despite having achieved significant milestones. In fact, more than 460,000 women are estimated to have left their jobs stating “menopause” as a reason, resulting in an economic burden of 420 billion yen per year. This issue likely contributes to the low percentage (12.7%) of women in leadership positions.

Initiatives companies can adopt for female employees

While many women endure severe menopausal symptoms, most have not sought assistance or consultation. The core problem is the widespread lack of knowledge concerning women’s health, including menopause.

A crucial step would be for companies to educate their workforce and foster an environment of understanding and respect for women. Companies should consider being more accommodating, allowing women to take leave as required, encouraging remote work, or offering flexible hours based on their health needs.

Support from third parties for women-related issues

Many companies, though willing, might be uncertain about initiating support for women-related health issues. Two following organizations can assist them.

Femcari

Their philosophy rests on three tenets: supporting women through health challenges; collaborating with companies to help women navigate menopause as a biological shift; and promoting women in leadership roles.

Their service, “Yurureco,” monitors women’s health, offering self-monitoring features that advise users based on their health and notifies companies to assist women at the right times, all while maintaining user privacy. They also offer programs that merge menopausal topics with women’s leadership.

Femcari is currently in service development and is looking for companies to cooperate with service development on a trial basis.

HANAEMI

Operating on the belief that employee health is paramount, HANAEMI endeavors to uncover the potential in both women and companies by offering career support tailored to women’s health challenges. They provide diverse solutions, from individual coaching sessions for male leaders and female employees to bespoke company programs.

Their menopause-focused program educates leadership on the health and career challenges faced by women, equipping them with the skills to support their middle-aged female staff respectfully and effectively.

Menopause is not merely a personal concern. To truly tap into the potential of women in their careers, it must be acknowledged and addressed as an organizational matter.