October 18th is World Menopause Day, an opportunity for employers to rethink how they support their employees through one of life’s most significant transitions.
As more women remain active in the workforce well into their 50s and beyond, addressing menopause and perimenopause in the workplace has become essential. Menopause, a natural part of aging when periods stop permanently, typically occurs between ages 45 and 55 and perimenopause is the transition leading up to it.
While menopause is often seen as a personal health issue, its impact on professional life can be profound. Offering menopause-related benefits is no longer just a perk—it’s a business imperative that contributes to employee well-being, productivity and retention.
ARC’s Inclusive Menopause Benefit Offering
Our menopause benefits are part of ARC’s comprehensive, high-quality, cost-effective care solutions:
- Access to Specialized Care: Employees gain access to a nationwide network of menopause specialists who offer evidence-based, personalized care. This includes consultations with experts in hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle modifications and non-hormonal treatment options to help manage symptoms.
- Symptom Management: Comprehensive care is provided to address common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues and mood changes. By offering tailored support, we help employees manage their symptoms, improving their quality of life and work performance.
- Mental Health Support: The emotional toll of menopause should not be overlooked. Our menopause benefits include access to counseling and stress management services, which can help employees navigate mood swings, anxiety and depression often associated with menopause.
- Flexible Care Options: ARC Fertility offers both virtual and in-person consultations, providing employees with the flexibility to choose care that best suits their schedule and lifestyle. This ensures that all employees, no matter their location, can access the care they need.
- Pharmacy Benefits: Employees can also access discounted prescriptions for hormone replacement therapies (HRT) and other medications that may help alleviate menopausal symptoms. This helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for employees while ensuring they receive the treatments they need.
- Educational Resources: Through our FertilityNow™ app and digital platforms, employees have access to expert-authored articles, videos and other educational resources about menopause. These tools empower employees to take control of their health and make informed decisions about managing their symptoms.
Menopause Symptoms Effect on the Workplace
Most women will experience symptoms of menopause and many women will experience early symptoms while still having periods. Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before monthly periods stop – and they can persist for years after. These include:
- hot flashes
- vaginal dryness
- irregular periods
- problems sleeping
- mood swings
- depression and anxiety
- sleep disturbances
- cognitive changes
- changing feelings about sex
Left unsupported, these challenges can disrupt a woman’s daily life and professional performance, leading to absenteeism, reduced productivity and higher turnover rates.
By offering tailored menopause benefits, employers can help employees manage their symptoms and remain engaged in their work.
The Role of Menopause Benefits in Retention and Productivity
For many companies, offering menopause benefits can significantly improve employee retention and overall job satisfaction. Women in their 40s, 50s and 60s often hold senior positions, bringing valuable expertise and experience. Losing these employees due to untreated menopausal symptoms can result in significant costs, including turnover expenses and lost institutional knowledge.
When employees feel supported, especially during critical life stages, they are more likely to remain engaged and loyal to their employer. Offering menopause support signals that a company values the long-term health and well-being of its workforce. In fact, a survey by the Fawcett Society found that 81% of women believe better workplace support for menopause would help them stay in their jobs longer.
How Menopause Benefits Align with DEI Goals
In today’s workplace, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are more critical than ever. Offering menopause benefits is a tangible way to support DEI goals by addressing the needs of a diverse workforce. This is especially important given that women over 50 represent a growing segment of the workforce, yet their needs are often overlooked in traditional benefits packages.
By acknowledging and addressing the challenges of menopause, employers can create a more inclusive environment where employees of all ages feel supported. Menopause benefits not only help retain female employees but also promote gender equity by ensuring that women can continue to thrive in their careers without being sidelined by health issues.
The Business Case for Offering Menopause Benefits
The business case for offering menopause benefits is clear. Supporting employees through menopause can lead to:
- Reduced Absenteeism: Managing menopause symptoms effectively helps employees remain at work and perform at their best, reducing the number of sick days taken due to untreated symptoms.
- Increased Productivity: Employees who receive the right care for their symptoms are more focused, engaged and productive in their roles.
- Lower Healthcare Costs: Early intervention and access to specialized care can prevent more severe health issues, reducing long-term healthcare costs for both employees and employers.
- Enhanced Employee Loyalty and Retention: Employees who feel supported by their employers during critical life stages are more likely to remain loyal and engaged, reducing turnover costs and helping to maintain a stable, experienced workforce.
Providing menopause benefits is not just a way to support employee health—it’s a strategic investment in the long-term success of your organization. By helping employees manage the challenges of menopause, companies can improve productivity, reduce healthcare costs and enhance retention rates.
As World Menopause Day shines a light on this important issue, ARC Fertility is proud to offer comprehensive menopause benefits as part of our commitment to reproductive health and family-forming solutions. Employers that prioritize menopause care will see positive impacts on their workplace culture, employee well-being and overall business performance.
Contact ARC Fertility today to learn more about our family-forming benefits, including our Menopause Benefit Offering, and how we can help employers support a healthier, more inclusive workplace.
