World Menopause Day

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World Menopause Day is on the 18th October.

World Menopause Day shines a spotlight on a life stage that affects half the population – but is still too often met with silence, stigma, or misunderstanding.

Menopause and perimenopause are natural biological transitions, yet their impact on women’s physical, emotional, and professional lives can be profound. In the UK and Ireland, growing awareness is finally pushing this conversation into the open – especially in workplaces and homes where support is most needed.

A CIPD (UK) report in 2023, reported that 73% of working women aged 40-60 were experiencing menopause-related symptoms and that, on average, employers are losing around one in six people due to a lack of adequate support being available in the workplace.

In Ireland, a 2023 study by The Menopause Hub found that 84% of affected women experienced negative impacts at work and 38% took time off due to symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Loss of confidence and reduced concentration

• Mood disturbances, anxiety, and depression

• Sleep issues and fatigue

• Hot flashes and memory loss

These symptoms can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and even decisions to leave the workforce prematurely. At home, they may strain relationships and affect overall wellbeing.

Why it matters in the workplace:

  • Women over 50 are a growing segment of the workforce
  • Menopause symptoms can be unpredictable and debilitating
  • Lack of support contributes to long-term unemployment and missed career progression

What employers can do:

  • Start the conversation: Encourage open, respectful dialogue. Normalise support. Awareness reduces stigma.
  • Be flexible: Consider adjustments to schedules, workloads, or environments (eg temperature control).
  • Educate and train: Managers and teams benefit from understanding how menopause affects individuals and how to respond with empathy.
  • Review policies: Is there room to include menopause in wellbeing or health support frameworks or to have a specific menopause policy?

World Menopause Day isn’t just about awareness – it’s about action.

Let’s make menopause visible, understood, and supported – at work, at home, and everywhere in between.