For the first time, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has highlighted menopause-related benefits in its 2024 employee benefits survey. This milestone shines a light on a critical yet overlooked issue: Only 17% of employers offer menopause support like counseling and education, even though many women are reaching senior leadership positions during this stage of life. As of 2023, women comprised 41.9% of the global workforce. However, only 32.2% hold senior leadership roles — and this percentage drops to just 10.4% in Fortune 500 companies.
With more than one in five women considering quitting due to menopause symptoms — ranging from brain fog and hot flashes to fatigue, mood swings, anxiety and sleep disruption — employers must offer assistance to prevent a hidden talent drain where experienced, capable employees leave the workforce due to unmanaged symptoms.
