World Menopause Day: Why Workplaces Need to Pay Attention
Every year on 18 October, World Menopause Day shines a light on an experience that half the population will go through but is still too often overlooked in the workplace.
Menopause isn’t just about hot flushes. It can bring a wide range of symptoms: disrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, fatigue, and more. For many women and people who menstruate, this stage of life overlaps with the peak of their careers. Yet workplace conversations and support systems are frequently absent.
As Dr Louise Newson, GP and founder of the balance app, explains in her report Menopause and the Workplace: “Symptoms such as hot flushes, fatigue, mood changes and brain fog … are all too often under-recognised, undervalued and not taken seriously.”
Why it matters for employers
Ignoring menopause doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts teams and organisations:
Retention: Without the right support, talented employees may feel forced to step back or leave.
Productivity: Symptoms like poor sleep or brain fog can reduce focus and performance if left unaddressed.
Culture: A supportive approach signals inclusivity and care, which builds stronger trust and engagement across the board.
Research from the Fawcett Society found that one in ten women have left a job because of menopause symptoms, while many more reduce hours or pass up promotions. That’s a huge talent drain for businesses and a challenge for any company focused on growth.
What support can look like
Open conversation: Training managers and HR teams to talk about menopause without stigma.
Practical adjustments: Flexible hours, temperature control, or quiet spaces can make a meaningful difference.
Wellness at work: Regular wellness activations — from stress-relieving chair massages to restorative nail care — help staff feel valued and supported, while offering a practical outlet for stress and fatigue.
As Davina McCall has said: “There's still a taboo in talking about menopause and perimenopause in the workplace and this has to change. We need to make it normal …”
The bigger picture
World Menopause Day is a reminder that wellbeing at work isn’t one-size-fits-all. Menopause is a shared human reality, not a private struggle. By taking it seriously, employers create an environment where everyone can thrive, at every stage of life.
At Pamper Puff, we partner with organisations to make wellness visible and accessible, whether through on-site treatments, wellbeing days, or ongoing programmes that address real needs. From a single chair massage session to a full wellness calendar, we help companies move beyond tick-box gestures towards meaningful support.
✨ Because investing in care isn’t just good for people — it’s good for business.