Nearly a third of UK women consider quitting job due to menopause

Almost a third of women are considering leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms, with 7 per cent already having quit, new research shows.

A survey of 2,000 UK working women aged 40-65 found just under half have changed how they work to cope, including reducing hours, cutting responsibilities, or turning down promotions and training.

Many say day-to-day tasks are harder: almost one in three report lower productivity, three in ten need more breaks, and women lose an average of 5.5 working days a year to menopause-related illness.

The research was commissioned by not-for-profit healthcare provider Benenden Health.

The most disruptive symptoms at work are brain fog and memory issues, hot flushes and fatigue, with many also citing anxiety, mood changes and joint pain.

Brain fog refers to difficulties with concentration, thinking clearly and retaining information.

While some women are struggling, employers appear confident they are providing support.

A parallel survey of 500 HR decision-makers shows 92 per cent believe their organisations are meeting the needs of staff going through menopause, and nearly three-quarters say they already have a formal policy or initiative in place.

Yet many women report a different picture: 40 per cent say they are unaware of any policies in their workplace, only a third of organisations provide menopause training for managers, and fewer than half offer practical measures such as paid leave or workplace adjustments.

Stigma remains another barrier, with 63 per cent saying it is still awkward to discuss at work.

Just 45 per cent feel comfortable raising symptoms with their manager.

Common fears include being judged, not understood, or being treated differently.

Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, nurse consultant at Benenden Health, said: “Menopause affects women differently and can bring a wide range of physical, mental and emotional symptoms that are hard to manage while working.

“Yet many still feel uncomfortable discussing it in the workplace, meaning essential support is often missed.”

Menopause support is expected to feature in the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, with the rollout of Menopause Action Plans for businesses with more than 200 employees.