Unveiling the Impact of Menopause in the Workplace

We are proud to present the findings from a global survey conducted by the Korn Ferry Institute in a groundbreaking partnership with Vira Health. In an important stride toward improving the understanding of the complex interplay between women's health and workplace dynamics, we reached out to over 8,000 women across the world and gathered insights into the role of perimenopause and menopause in the workplace.

Our survey participants include women currently navigating and those who have previously navigated the intricate journey of perimenopause and menopause whilst balancing their professional commitments. The study provides a comprehensive exploration of perimenopause and menopause experiences and symptoms, as well as workplace considerations, such as perceived support, engagement, performance, turnover, and career progression.

A crucial finding of the survey is that an optimistic outlook towards menopause, rather than fear, is correlated with a more positive workplace experience. Despite this, almost half (47%) of our surveyed women found their work performance disrupted by perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms, with 40% reporting six or more different symptoms impacting their workplace effectiveness. The majority of women did not feel their perimenopause and menopause needs were adequately supported at work. Even more significantly, most chose to stay silent about their experiences, refraining from communicating about their menopause journey with their managers, HR departments, or senior leadership.

A correlation emerged between the negative effects of perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms and career progression outcomes, including promotions and bonuses. Absenteeism and turnover were also adversely impacted, with senior leadership roles being the most significantly affected.

However, amidst these challenges, our survey uncovered a silver lining. A significant proportion (around a quarter) of our respondents reported an increased personal awareness due to their menopause journey. This is a testament to the resilience of women in the face of adversity and the potential for personal growth in even the most challenging circumstances.

Our survey findings provide a lens into the previously under-explored territory of women’s experience of menopause at work, offering a fresh perspective to previous research. Our findings underscore the intricate complexities and symptoms women experience during menopause.

To learn more about the impact of menopause in the workplace, click the image to download the PDF.

For more information, learn more about Korn Ferry’s People Strategy capabilities.