Menopause at work? Time to break the taboo

In the Dutch workforce, there’s growing attention for topics like job satisfaction, sustainable employability, and healthy ageing. But if we truly want to support people throughout their working lives, we also need to make space for menopause. It’s a life phase that half the population will go through at some point, which means a significant number of working women will be affected. Yet menopause remains a blind spot in many workplaces.

“Sometimes women feel like they’re losing their minds,” says occupational physician Aukje.
“They no longer recognize themselves: irritable, forgetful, emotional. And at work, they start to struggle. But no one dares to name it: menopause.”

A neglected topic with a big impact

“There’s still a taboo,” Aukje explains. “The old belief was: just grit your teeth and carry on. It’s part of being a woman. But menopause can have a devastating impact on both body and mind.” Fortunately, in recent years, there has been more attention for women’s health in general: from menstruation to pregnancy, and now increasingly, menopause. In a time when vitality and sustainable employability are high on the corporate agenda, menopause deserves structural attention as a normal part of healthy working life.

Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Irritability, anxiety, or low mood
• Joint and muscle pain
• Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

“And because it’s such a broad spectrum, it often goes unrecognized – even by doctors,” Aukje notes. “Or it’s confused with burnout. It creeps in gradually. And if you don’t know what it is, you can’t address it.”

What can employers do?

Although awareness of menopause in the workplace is still limited, there are many practical ways to support employees during this phase. “The most important thing is to talk about it,” Aukje says. “Especially for women aged 45 and up, dare to raise the topic. Understand that menopause can affect how someone performs and experiences their work.”

In reality, many managers find the topic uncomfortable, or simply don’t recognize it as work-related. As a result, it often goes unspoken until someone goes on sick leave. By addressing it proactively, you can prevent both absenteeism and misunderstanding.

Her practical tips:

• Offer flexibility in work hours or breaks, especially for sleep-related issues
• Adjust dress codes or workspace environments (e.g., ventilation, breathable fabrics)
• Avoid heavy meetings or night shifts for those with concentration problems
• Encourage preventive consultations with an occupational physician
• Don’t be surprised by personality changes: women may become more direct or assertive

What can women themselves do?

“Self-care is crucial,” says Aukje. “Listen to your body, don’t be too hard on yourself, and seek support. Menopause is temporary, and you don’t have to go through it alone.”

In her practice, she saw many women who struggled for years with vague complaints, until someone asked the right questions. “Sometimes, a few lifestyle adjustments or targeted medication can make all the difference.”

For example, one woman was referred to a psychologist for anxiety symptoms, but the treatment brought little relief. It wasn’t until she saw a menopause consultant that things started to click. With some tailored lifestyle advice, dietary changes, and support from her GP, her symptoms largely disappeared. “She finally felt like herself again,” Aukje says. “Cases like this show how important it is to look beyond the initial diagnosis.”

Time for policy and above all: attention

In sectors with large numbers of female employees, such as healthcare, education, and hospitality, Aukje believes the time has come to develop policy. “Menopause is not an individual problem. It’s part of healthy and sustainable working, just like pregnancy or caregiving. So stop sweeping it under the rug. Start an open dialogue. And make sure women don’t feel alone in a phase that affects so many.”

Training: ‘Navigating Menopause in the Workplace’

Want to spark meaningful conversations in your organization? On 8 July, Capability offers a practical training called ‘Navigating Menopause in the Workplace’, designed for HR professionals, managers, and employees alike.

This training provides clear, accessible insights into what menopause really is, how it can affect the workplace, and what you can do to recognize symptoms and make them easier to talk about. It’s not clinical, it’s human. With plenty of space for recognition, real-life examples, and actionable tools. Read more about the training and how to participate