Fawcett Society report summary: Menopause and the Workplace

The Fawcett Society’s 2022 report is based on the UK’s largest representative survey of 4,014 women aged 45-55.

It provides an extensive analysis of the challenges faced by menopausal women in employment, highlighting workplace barriers, stigma, and lack of employer support, which lead to negative impacts on careers, wellbeing, and retention.

The full 42-page report can be downloaded here, and below we've summarised what we feel are the report's key findings.

Fawcett menopause and the workplace 2022.pdf

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Menopause symptoms & workplace impact

• 77% of women experience one or more symptoms that they describe as 'very difficult'.

• The most common issues include trouble sleeping (84%), brain fog (73%), and anxiety or depression (69%).

• 44% of women say that menopause has affected their ability to work, with 61% reporting  reduced motivation and 52% suffering loss of confidence.

Workplace challenges & career implications

• 1 in 10 women have left a job due to menopause symptoms, equating to an estimated 333,000 women in the UK workforce.

• 14% have reduced their working hours, 14% have switched to part-time roles, and 8% have not applied for promotions due to their symptoms.

• 26% have taken time off work, yet only 30% disclosed menopause as the reason (often citing anxiety or depression instead).

Lack of employer support & stigma

• 80% of women say their employer has not provided any menopause support, training, or policies.

• 41% have witnessed menopause being treated as a joke at work, rising to 58% among disabled women.

Healthcare & HRT access

• Only 55% of women have discussed menopause with a GP, and 31% reported delays in diagnosis.

• Only 39% of those who spoke to a GP were offered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), despite it being a recommended first-line treatment.

• 54% of women on HRT say it has 'given them their life back', but concerns over side effects and lack of information prevent many from using it.

The Second Spring Leaders view

Menopause remains a hidden workplace issue with severe professional and personal consequences for women.

Menopause-related stress is both a physical and psychological burden, exacerbated by workplace stigma and lack of support. There is an opportunity here for employers to ensure that menopausal employees receive the support, respect and accommodations they need to thrive at work.

Addressing this through flexible working, better awareness, and inclusive policies can help retain skilled employees, improve wellbeing, and foster a more productive work environment.