New research from Dove Deodorants in partnership with Menopause Friendly Australia, has revealed concerning levels of workplace burnout and loss of confidence among those individuals experiencing perimenopause and menopause in the workplace.
Dove Menopause Insight (DMI) study revealed that while 62% feel comfortable discussing menopause at work, only 31% of women said their workplace offers flexible working arrangements, just 8% said awareness training was offered and barely 7% had access to additional leave.
When asked about respondents’ experience managing perimenopause or menopause at work, the DMI revealed that 44% of Australian women reported lower self-esteem, while a further 46% experienced lower self-confidence.
Of those experiencing symptoms, 45% felt they weren’t performing their best at work and three in five of admitted to experiencing stress and anxiety (56%) or feeling burnt out (55%).
Even more concerning, over half of Australian women experiencing symptoms surveyed (55%), expressed that, due to their experience with perimenopause or menopause they either considered, or did take time off work or quit.
With these findings, Dove is calling on both employers and employees to move menopause discussions beyond casual conversations and into actionable support, ensuring women can bring their whole selves to work.
Support for women and businesses
Recognising that menopause is often a deeply personal topic, Dove is extending its support to women and businesses by launching a dedicated support microsite dove.com/menopause. This dedicated site offers menopause policy guidance, practical tools and resources such as policy templates and conversation starters for employees and business alike to download and use.
Unilever ANZ recently launched its menopause policy, alongside a comprehensive menopause support program.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a flexible, supportive and inclusive workplace,” said Unilever ANZ CEO Nick Bangs. “Thanks to Menopause Friendly Australia for their guidance to develop this with Dove. We’re proud to offer support for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause, and urge other businesses to follow suit.”
Senate inquiry highlights lack of awareness
The DMI findings align with the government’s Senate inquiry on menopause, which was handed down on September 18. The inquiry highlighted the lack of awareness surrounding the impacts of menopause. In a unanimous decision, the panel recommended workplaces implement a menopause policy in consultation with their employees, the government amend legislation to ensure women have access to flexible working arrangements and explore options for introducing paid, gender-inclusive reproductive health leave.
Menopause Friendly Australia CEO Grace Molloy says the recent senate inquiry highlighted the urgent need for action on menopause in the workplace.
“That’s why we are delighted to partner with Dove to offer these practical tools for women and employers, making it easier for everyone to talk about menopause at work,” she said. “Our partnership with Dove moves us closer to our mission to enable every workplace in Australia to be menopause friendly.”
Ideal initiatives
More positively, the DMI identified key workplace initiatives that women would find most helpful. Topping the list was flexible working arrangements (51%), the ability to control temperature (36%) and additional leave (35%). These were followed by the need for a menopause policy or guidance to inform employees of available support (23%) and someone within the organisation who knows what menopause is and is open to discussing it (22%).
