In our fast -moving world of work, in which specialists are desperately sought, one topic is becoming increasingly important: menopause and their effects on women in the workplace. Hormonal changes, such as fluctuations in cortisol, melatonin and estrogen, often lead to fatigue, concentration problems and even sleep disorders.
These physical and mental challenges affect their productivity in many women - a point that has so far received little attention in many companies. It is more important than ever in times of shortage of skilled workers, not to neglect this aspect.
Menopause and their effects on women
The menopause is a natural phase in the life of a woman who begins around the center of life, usually between the 45th and 55th year of life. This phase, also known as the climacteric or menopause, is characterized by a hormonal change that can lead to different symptoms in many women. Symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, and mood swings are typical for many women in menopause.
The reason for this is the decline in estrogen level, which leads to far -reaching physical changes. These hormonal changes affect almost all women, even if the extent of the symptoms of woman to woman varies.
A third of women in menopause suffer from strong menopause complaints that can significantly impair daily life. Heat flashes, the sudden heat on the face or on the upper body, are among the most common symptoms. Together with sleep disorders, incontinence, and problems with menstruation such as the absence of bleeding or irregular bleeding, this phase of life can be an enormous challenge.
In addition, there are often mood swings and a reduction in fertility, since ovulation becomes more irregular and finally failing to fail to do so. In this phase, women should not be afraid to search for support from a gynecologist to discuss their symptoms and to consider possible treatment methods such as hormone therapies or other options.
The hormonal change during menopause can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, since the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly. In addition to cardiovascular problems, other side effects such as welding, hot flashes and incontinence can also occur.
These symptoms often occur in perimenopause, i.e. the phase before the actual menopause, and can be stressful for many women. However, there are many ways to alleviate these symptoms, from medication treatments to lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and movement to better manage hormonal fluctuations.
In addition to physical symptoms, the decline in estrogen level can also trigger psychological symptoms, such as: B. mood and memory fluctuations as well as chronic fatigue. In addition, the cortisol level in many women in the menopause remains increased in the evening, which makes it difficult to fall asleep. At the same time, the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, is affected by the blue light of screens. These factors together can lead to sleep disorders, which in turn affect mental health and have a negative impact on concentration, mood and general well -being.
These symptoms can not only affect personal well -being, but also significantly influence working life. A survey of the British Menopause Society showed that 45 % The women interviewed reported that their menopausal symptoms had a negative impact on their work performance. Sleep disorders and fatigue in particular led to concentration problems, which in turn can lead to a loss of productivity.
Studies on productivity and absenteeism in menopause
Several studies have shown that women have absenteeism more frequently during menopause and their productivity can be influenced at work. A few important study results:
Productivity and work:
According to a study of the University of Nottingham (2010) gave 40 % of women that their symptoms influenced productivity, and 25 % felt "emotionally drained" through their complaints. Women with sleep disorders were particularly affected, the information that they often feel exhausted and unfocused at work.
Absent times:
In a study in the Gynecology magazine Researchers reported that women with serious menopause complaints were more frequently due to illness. These absenteeism were often related to sleep problems, hot flashes and general exhaustion.
Psychological stress:
A survey of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) showed that 59 % of the women interviewed in the menopause that their symptoms had a negative impact on their work. In addition, many women reported that the lack of support from their employer worsened the situation, which led to an increased level of stress.
Why employers should deal with it
In view of this data, the question arises: Why should employers pay more attention to menopause, especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers?
A shortage of skilled workers and experienced employees:
Women in menopause are often among the most experienced and competent employees in a company. Her experience and expertise are invaluable, and the loss of this valuable resource due to a lack of support would be fatal - both for the companies and for the women concerned themselves.
Reduce increased absenteeism:
By creating an understanding and flexible work environment, employers can help reduce absenteeism. Measures such as flexible working hours, home office options or access to medical advice can contribute significantly to relief.
Support for mental well -being:
Curse complaints such as sleep disorders and fatigue have not only physically, but also mentally. A mindful work environment that recognizes these stress and offers flexible solutions can strengthen the motivation and satisfaction of the employees.
Practical measures for companies
In order to better counter the effects of menopause, companies can take various measures to support their employees:
Flexible working hours:
Women with sleep problems or fatigue could benefit from more flexible working hours that give you the opportunity to adapt your working day to your well -being.
Supporting conversations:
Open discussions about health challenges at the workplace can reduce the Stigma around the menopause. Managers should be trained on how to support their employees and accommodate them.
Health programs:
Can take Health and wellness programs offer that respond to the special needs of women in menopause. This could include both physical and mental health, such as Stress management or Sleep advice.
Coaching:
In the menopause, many women experience psychological changes, such as mood swings, irritability and even depressive moods, in addition to the physical symptoms. The interplay of hormonal fluctuations, the declining hormone production and the associated changes can affect the mental balance of many women. Especially in postmenopause, when the production of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone has dropped significantly, dealing with these problems becomes challenging. Here, targeted coaching can help to go into the psychological aspect. A holistic approach that offers emotional support and practical techniques for dealing with stress can strengthen women in this phase and help them to consider menopause as a form of personal development instead of only seeing them as a phase of physical change.
Conclusion: menopause and shortage of skilled workers - an opportunity for companies
In times of shortage of skilled workers, it should be in the interest of every company to take into account the needs of all employees. Women in menopause are a valuable resource and their challenges must not be ignored. With more support in the workplace, your performance and well -being can be significantly improved, which can have a positive effect on the company and employee satisfaction in the long term.
The topic of menopause should no longer be a taboo, but should be actively integrated into corporate strategies for health promotion and personnel management. A mindful and flexible work environment can help to use the potential of these experienced and competent women in the best possible way.
Sources:
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British Menopause Society: "Impact of Menopause on Women in the Workplace", 2021
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University of Nottingham (2010): "Menopause and Work: An overview of British Experiences"
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Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), "The Menopause at Work", 2019
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Journal of Gynecology, "Menopause and Health at the Workplace", 2020
Category: Circumstances/ Men/ Postmenopause/ Factors/ Problems/ Progesterone/ Share/ Change/ Symptom/ Article/ Classes/ Hormonal Changes/ Hormone Production/ Blood/ Average/ Sex Hormones
