Menopause symptoms costs Canada's economy billions each year, new report says

Menopause is causing a huge impact to Canada's economy each year, according to a new report that urges employers to make a difference in their workplaces.

The Menopause Foundation of Canada indicates in its study that menopause symptoms result in missed work days, lower productivity and lost income, leading to a $3.5 billion cost to the economy each year.

"Breaking the silence and the stigma of menopause at work isn't just the right thing to do, it also benefits the bottom line," the report shares.

"If your workplace cares about attracting and retaining experienced and skilled employees, menopause must be seen as a legitimate workplace issue. If your workplace cares about age and gender equality, or helping women break through the glass ceiling, menopause must be on the agenda."

Most women reach menopause between ages 45 and 55. According to the "Menopause and Work in Canada" study, women over age 40 make up one quarter of the country's workforce — and that's only growing. The number of women within the menopausal years who are working is expected to rise by 27 per cent by 2040.

Breaking down the cost, the data shows Canadian employers lose $237 million annually due to unmanaged menopause symptoms, while women lose a total of $3.3 billion in income because of missed hours or leaving the workforce.

Statistics Canada shows women within the typical years of entering menopause — ages 45 and 55 — leave their jobs at a higher rate than men. There's a 14 per cent drop in working women in the country between ages 45 and 59, compared to a 10 per cent drop for men.

Stigma around menopause

Roughly one in 10 women will leave the workforce due to unmanaged menopause symptoms — and the stigma around talking about menopause in the workplace doesn't help.

Two-thirds of the women surveyed, or 67 per cent, say they would not feel comfortable having a conversation with their supervisor about menopause symptoms. Moreover, 48 per cent say they'd feel embarrassed asking for support.

The report also shows three out of 10 respondents believe others will consider them weak, old or "past their prime" if they say they're in menopause. Half of respondents also say they worry menopause symptoms could affect their appearance at work.

A gap in menopause support

According to the report, most women surveyed believe menopause-inclusive workplaces could have a positive impact on their general well-being.

Eighty-seven per cent of respondents say working women need support throughout all stages of their life, while 77 per cent say there should be more support in workplaces for women experiencing menopause or perimenopause.

Out of the respondents, 75 per cent agree employers would benefit if women experiencing menopause or perimenopause had more support.

Three-quarters of respondents also say they'd like workplaces to offer supports including:

• Medical insurance covering menopause treatments and therapies

• More policies, such as those covering time off or work arrangements related to menopause

• Work environment adjustments for people going through menopause

• A toolkit to help educate colleagues and higher ups

• Menopause awareness sessions

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