Retaining women in the workforce: Overcoming challenges facing employers

Resignation charges stay excessive with many root causes for why women could also be leaving their employer or workforce altogether – creating a possibility for employers to assist lengthen women’s careers and retain a wealth of information and expertise.

One of these elements is the menopause taboo – One in ten women say they haven’t talked to anybody about experiencing perimenopause or menopause.

The common age at which women say they’ve gone or are at present going by way of perimenopause or menopause is 41, based on new analysis from MetLife UK. However, virtually two in 5 are beneath 40. And 7% of 18–24-year-olds cite experiencing some type of signs. MetLife requested women of all ages about their expertise of perimenopause and menopause.

Main signs embrace temper adjustments/low temper, scorching flushes/extreme sweating/evening sweats, problem sleeping, complications and reminiscence and focus points.

Despite going by way of perimenopause or menopause and experiencing signs, one in ten women admit they haven’t talked to anybody about it.

For those that do want to flip to somebody, associates are hottest, adopted by a GP/medical skilled, relations – together with dad and mom, siblings, youngsters, and grandparents – and partner. Also making the record is figure colleagues with virtually 1 / 4 (22%) of women stating they flip to their associates at work.

The analysis explored the views of women – at present working full or part-time and have gone by way of or at present going by way of both perimenopause or menopause – on experiencing signs while at work. The analysis goals to shine on a light-weight on a subject that’s delicate and impacts so many by breaking the at present taboo.

Amy Tomlinson, Head of HR at MetLife UK feedback: “Retaining women within the workplace is a challenge many businesses face, particularly at present due to the impact of the menopause. The impact can be so great that women feel the only option is to leave the workplace early, meaning a wealth of expertise and knowledge can just disappear at all levels across an organisation.”

“Perimenopause and menopause stay a taboo topic and is one in every of many root causes that may result in early departure from the workforce, as a result of as a society many really feel uncomfortable speaking about it, regardless of the massive numbers of women it impacts yearly. Historically many might have related menopause with later life, however our analysis exhibits this is a matter impacting folks of all ages, with many experiencing signs by the age of 40.

“Although it’s a tough and deeply private topic that individuals understandably might not want to talk about with colleagues, the sheer impression that some signs could also be having on folks’s daily lives signifies that we should create an setting the place folks really feel comfy opening up. Whether you understand somebody experiencing signs or need to advocate on somebody’s behalf, displaying them assist by being there after they want it, can go an extended strategy to serving to somebody really feel understood and fewer alone.

“At MetLife we are working hard to create awareness and educating associates to provide a robust support framework to retain women in the workforce and minimise the possibility that menopause can result in many feeling the only option is to leave the workplace early.”