Almost a quarter of UK working women have considered quitting their jobs due to the impact of menopause or menstrual symptoms at work, new research has revealed. DocHQ has set out to provide a proactive solution to improve the wellbeing of your employees and save on hefty costs.
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, brings about a multitude of physical and emotional changes. While it’s a personal journey, its impact transcends the individual, extending to the workplace. For many companies, the effects of menopause on their female workforce often remain unaddressed, leading to hidden costs that can significantly impact productivity and employee wellbeing.
The UK Parliament’s ‘Menopause and the workplace’ report cites 14 million working days lost each year to menopause, which equates to £1.88 billion in lost productivity. There are four crucial ways in which your organisation will, or may be directly affected by menopause symptoms; financial costs, staff retention, performance and productivity and company reputation.
However, proactive measures, such as DocHQ’s Menopause Health Check range, offer a promising solution for both employers and employees alike.
The hidden costs of menopause in the workplace
Menopause isn’t just about hot flashes and mood swings; it can have profound implications for women in the workforce. Here’s how it affects companies in terms of costs:
- Reduced productivity: Symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating can hamper productivity levels among menopausal women. Studies have shown that menopause-related symptoms can lead to a decrease in work performance and an increase in absenteeism.
- Increased healthcare utilisation: Menopausal women may require more frequent medical visits to address symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. This uptick in healthcare utilisation translates to higher healthcare costs for both employees and employers.
- Staff retention: Menopause can prompt some women to consider leaving the workforce prematurely due to the challenges they face. This turnover not only disrupts business continuity but also incurs expenses associated with hiring and training new employees.
- Presenteeism: Even when menopausal women show up for work, they may not perform at their best due to symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and physical discomfort. This phenomenon, known as presenteeism, results in decreased efficiency and output.
Addressing menopause in the workplace: The role of employers
Employers play a crucial role in creating supportive environments that acknowledge and accommodate the needs of menopausal employees. By investing in initiatives like DocHQ’s Menopause Health Check range, companies can take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of menopause on their workforce and bottom line.
DocHQ’s Health Checks: A proactive solution
DocHQ’s Menopause Health Check range offers a comprehensive approach to managing menopause in the workplace. Here’s how it works:
- Individualised health assessments: DocHQ’s platform provides menopausal employees with personalised health assessments to identify their specific symptoms and needs. This tailored approach ensures that employees receive the support and resources they require to navigate menopause effectively.
- Access to resources and support: Through DocHQ’s platform, employees gain access to a wealth of resources, including educational materials, lifestyle tips, and self-care strategies tailored to managing menopause. Additionally, they can connect with healthcare professionals for expert guidance and support.
- Empowering women in the workplace: By offering DocHQ’s Menopause Health Check range, employers demonstrate their commitment to supporting the wellbeing of their female workforce. This proactive approach not only enhances employee morale and loyalty but also contributes to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
The Menopause Check provides a clear snapshot of their menopausal status by screening Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, which rise as they near this phase. The MenoBalance Check provides a detailed analysis of the patient’s hormone balance, helping them better understand and manage their symptoms. It’s designed for those who are experiencing mood swings, fatigue or simply seeking a comprehensive understanding of their hormone levels. The test measures Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), and the results enable them to make informed decisions about their hormonal wellbeing.
DocHQ’s at-home menopause test kits offer a practically painless approach to sample collection through the TAP II device. This device takes the sample from the upper arm and is completely painless. It also significantly reduces the chance of contamination and haemolysis.
Investing in employee wellbeing
Menopause is an inevitable stage of life for many women, and its impact on the workforce cannot be overlooked. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by menopausal employees and implementing proactive solutions like DocHQ’s Menopause Health Check range, companies can minimise the hidden costs associated with menopause while fostering a healthier, more productive workforce. It’s not just good for business – it’s the right thing to do.
