Why raising menopause awareness is 'a smart business decision'

Menopause has long carried a workplace stigma, resulting in many women trying to soldier through without drawing attention to the slew of changes and symptoms they’re experiencing. These changes can be extremely disruptive and confusing, ranging from insomnia and depression to dental problems and heart palpitations. But pop culture often portrays menopause as women dramatically fanning themselves — a misleading depiction that’s naively shallow at best and flippantly apathetic at worst. We asked Melissa Ashley, co-founder of Menopause Mandate US, to explain why everyone needs to understand the realities of menopause — not just women.

Why is raising awareness about menopause and its impacts on women important? My kneejerk response is, how can it not be? That’s like asking why it’s important to understand menstruation and its effects on women. Women have the opportunity to live just as long, if not longer, in their non-reproductive years as they did in their reproductive years. And yet, this significant life stage remains overlooked. As vital contributors to society — holding the majority of purchasing power, making up 51% of the population, and serving as earners, caregivers, investors, mothers, aunts, sisters, grandmothers, and leaders — how can we afford to ignore this chapter of life? Raising awareness isn’t just about supporting women’s health; it’s about recognizing and empowering a powerful force in our economy and communities.

What needs to change in the workplace? A lot! With one in six women leaving their jobs or considering leaving due to menopause symptoms — and millions more struggling in silence — businesses can’t afford to ignore this issue any longer. Just as companies have established policies for parental leave, fertility support, childcare assistance, and bereavement leave, they need transparent, supportive policies around menopause. This means normalizing the conversation, integrating menopause education into onboarding and management training, and partnering with benefits providers that offer life-stage support. Most importantly, companies must commit to real cultural change — this can’t be a “check-the-box” initiative. The stakes are high: the annual cost of lost productivity and health expenses tied to menopause symptoms is estimated at $26.6 billion. Supporting employees through this life stage isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart business decision.

How can people show their support or advocate for change? There are countless ways to support change — and if each of us simply chose one that feels comfortable, the collective impact would be immense. Start by breaking the silence. Say the word “menopause” out loud and discuss it openly with colleagues, friends, and family. If you feel comfortable, share a personal story — whether it’s about experiencing a symptom yourself or supporting someone who has. Authentic conversations create connection and reduce stigma. Advocate for menopause-friendly workplace policies. This includes pushing for education in management and HR training, as well as practical adjustments like better temperature control, quiet spaces, and dress code flexibility to accommodate symptoms like hot flashes.

Be an ally. Show empathy and understanding. If someone is struggling with symptoms, offer to adjust a meeting time or workload expectations. Encourage your employer to explore life-stage benefits, such as menopause leave or access to specialized care. Use your voice on a larger scale. Support legislation and policy changes that promote menopause awareness and health care access. Engage on social media to drive the conversation forward — visibility matters.

Most importantly, educate yourself. Menopause is not just hot flashes — there are over 36 symptoms and counting, including mental health challenges, sleep disruption, and cognitive changes. There are a lot of great resources available in different formats (documentaries, books, resource guides, webinars, etc). Share the ones you find helpful with others. The more we understand, the better equipped we are to support meaningful change. Raising awareness about menopause isn’t just about improving individual experiences — it’s about building a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone benefits from greater understanding.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the nonprofit, Menopause Mandate US, recently launched a free Menopause Mandate Advice Line with Alloy Women's Health. Anyone in the U.S. can sign up for a free 15-minute video chat with a Menopause Guide. This is a great place to start for anyone with questions about menopause and I encourage every company to share this free resource with their employees.