An Employer’s Guide to Menopause:
Supporting Women at Work
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on October 10, 2024
An Employer’s Guide to Menopause:
An Employer’s Guide to Menopause:
Supporting Women at Work
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on October 10, 2024
October is World Menopause Month, a time to raise awareness about an important life transition that impacts 10 million women in Canada over the age of 40 — roughly one-quarter of Canada’s population.
Perimenopause and menopause can last over ten years, usually between ages 45-55. This is often a key time in many women's careers. With over 40 symptoms of menopause, the most known are hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and brain fog. Lesser known are the chronic conditions that can result from unmanaged symptoms, such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Menopause’s impact on working women
According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, 3 in 4 women experience symptoms of menopause that interfere with their daily lives and affect their ability to function. In fact, their research shows that 1 in 10 working women will leave the workplace when their symptoms become too difficult to manage.
World Menopause Month aims to break the stigma and silence that often surrounds the topic.
Menopause’s impact on working women
According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, 3 in 4 women experience symptoms of menopause that interfere with their daily lives and affect their ability to function. In fact, their research shows that 1 in 10 working women will leave the workplace when their symptoms become too difficult to manage.
World Menopause Month aims to break the stigma and silence that often surrounds the topic.
A 2024 study that Medavie Blue Cross commissioned on women’s health revealed that over half of women (56%) would feel uncomfortable talking to their employer about the effects of menopause. As well, nearly one-third (29%) of employers also feel uncomfortable having the same conversation with their employees.
The study also shows menopause isn’t just a physical transition — it impacts mental and emotional health too. Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. Our study found that menopause affects the mental health of 1 in 5 (21%) women “a lot or severely.”
Discover how employers can support women through menopause and create a better workplace for all.
How employers can help employees thrive at midlife
The evidence shows a clear need — and opportunity — to support women’s health in the workplace. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Explore Women’s Health Resources: Visit our women’s health webpage to learn about the benefits available to plan members.
- Promote Menopause Support: Let your employees know about the free SanoMidLife personalized menopause assessment available through our dedicated menopause service — a first for Canada!
How employers can help employees thrive at midlife
The evidence shows a clear need — and opportunity — to support women’s health in the workplace. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Explore Women’s Health Resources: Visit our women’s health webpage to learn about the benefits available to plan members.
- Promote Menopause Support: Let your employees know about the free SanoMidLife personalized menopause assessment available through our dedicated menopause service — a first for Canada!
- Optimize Your Benefits Plan: Ensure your employees have access to coaching services and healthcare professionals (e.g., HSA, PWA, and parapractitoner coverage).
- Prioritize Mental Wellness: Encourage open communications with employees to reduce stigma and show mental health is a priority.
- Encourage Conversations: Train managers to talk openly about menopause so employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges.
- Highlight Health & Wellness: Make health and wellness a central part of employee education and communication efforts.
- Provide Work Options: Implement policies that help balance work and home life, such as flexible work options.
- Educate Employees and Managers: Provide menopause education to create awareness and reduce stigma.
- Make workplace accommodations: Offer practical solutions, like temperature-controlled spaces and rest areas, to address the physical discomforts associated with menopause.
- Contact Medavie Blue Cross: Reach out to your Medavie Blue Cross representative to discuss adding mental health and services tailored to women’s unique healthcare needs.
Women’s Health Resources
At Medavie Blue Cross, we're on a mission to improve the wellbeing of Canadians.
Visit our Women’s Health page to discover specially designed health solutions that recognize the unique health needs of every woman in every stage of life.
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...