Working well: Mitigating the impact of menopause in the workplace - A narrative evidence review.

INTRODUCTION

In recent years there has been a much greater recognition by some employers of the need to support female employees experiencing the menopause. However, despite an increased awareness of the need to reduce the impact of menopause on the workforce, employers rarely have the opportunity to implement evidence-based interventions.

OBJECTIVES

This evidence review aims to provide an insight into the effectiveness of workplace programmes supporting women experiencing menopause symptoms, and to identify knowledge gaps as drivers for future research.

METHODS

A search for papers published in English between 2012 and 2023 was carried out on the PsycINFO, Medline, and Embase databases. Abstract review was used to screen initial returns before a subsequent full-text review determined the final studies included.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were selected for in-depth review: four conducted in the UK, seven in continental Europe and one in South America. The findings of the papers fell into five categories: work ability, improved symptom management, mental wellbeing and empowerment, increased openness about menopause in the workplace, and the impact of management/leadership. None of the included interventions were reported to give a significant improvement in measures of work ability. However, there were improvements in women's wellbeing, and their ability to manage symptoms. Interventions to improve workplace openness and managers' skills were well received by participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for effective workplace interventions for women experiencing menopause symptoms is currently lacking. There is considerable need for further high-quality evaluations of interventions designed to support women in the workplace.