The study ‘Menopause in the workplace’ is based on surveys of public sector workers in Ireland, and was carried out by academics in University of Galway and University College Cork.
The findings have been released to mark World Menopause Day.
Almost 1,000 people ,including 835 women and 151 men, from five public sector organisations in Ireland completed an online survey.
Findings showed that 68pc of people who took the survey stated that menopause was not spoken about in their workplace, and 8pc viewed it as a taboo subject.
Some 75pc didn’t know if their company had a menopause policy, and 29pc of line managers do not feel equipped to discuss menopause and offer support.
Seven in ten said organisations should adjust the physical work environment for those going through menopause
More than eight in ten state that organisations should provide training for line managers and supervisors on how to support those going through menopause
While 62pc of menopausal employees have discussed their menopause with their co-workers, only one in 12 have spoken to their manager about it, underlining a lack of trust or fear among these women.
Some 65pc of menopausal respondents did not intend to apply for promotion, and menopausal employees are less likely to apply, compared with pre-menopausal employees.
And 96pc of menopausal respondents reported physical and mental exhaustion to be the most common and most severe symptom experienced.
Dr Maeve O’Sullivan, College of Business Public Policy and Law at University of Galway, said: “Despite high rates of women in employment and Government focus on keeping people in work for longer, menopause remains a taboo subject in many organisations and a significant barrier to employee wellbeing and productivity.
“But menopause is not just a gender or age issue, as it can impact on colleagues both directly or indirectly, and it should therefore be considered an organisational issue.
“Our study’s findings demonstrate the urgent need to tackle this taboo and better equip organisations and managers to facilitate greater job satisfaction and wellbeing among female employees. Menopause is not simply a female issue.”
Dr Elaine O’Brien in University College Cork said: “Despite menopause now being openly discussed in today’s society, there is very little focus on its impact on work and vice versa. Our Menopause in the workplace study finds that while some female employees discuss menopause with colleagues, only 12pc do so with their managers.
“Our study shines a light on this taboo topic and recommends key workplace interventions to improve menopausal employees’ wellbeing and boost organisational productivity.”
A series of recommendations have been set out alongside the survey including training and education programmes for staff.
Female workers should be offered greater flexibility when going through menopausal transition for medical appointments and other occasions.
