Menopause can have ‘devastating’ impacts on women and employers, research reveals

A white paper published by the digital health company Lisa Health found that over 60 per cent of women believe menopause impacts their work performance leading some to abandon their careers.

The new research based on a web survey of 4,095 women conducted by the California-based company seeks to help women and employers find solutions for menopause and healthy ageing.

The white paper offers new insights into the stigma of menopause in the west, how it can negatively affect women’s work life, the cost for employers as well as the type of support employers could provide.

Menopause-age women account for over 25 per cent of the US workforce, generating significant economic impact.

The annual cost of menopause to employers has been estimated to be several billion dollars in increased healthcare costs and lost productivity.

The new report reflects a growing demand from employees for menopause support.

In a separate study, 72% of women said their workplace needed to improve the level of support available for individuals experiencing symptoms of menopause.

Because women are often reluctant to bring up the subject to supervisors or push for more and better support and solutions, employers need to be proactive but respectful as they explore how best to do more for their female workforce.

In addition to this white paper, Lisa Health’s AI-powered Midday app aims to bring the menopause conversation to the forefront for a generation of women and empowering them to thrive in midlife and beyond.

“The impacts of menopause on women and society are wide ranging and we’ve ignored them for too long,” says Lisa Health’s co-founder and CEO, Ann Garnier.

“As a senior healthcare technology executive who was thriving in the workplace, I experienced firsthand just how debilitating menopause can be and the potential for it to derail my career and personal relationships. From that moment, I became passionate about using advanced technology to transform the menopause experience.”

The company’s app combines technology with expert medical guidance to illuminate what is happening physically and emotionally during menopause, providing personalised solutions for early intervention and healthy ageing.