What's Happening?
A new initiative is calling on U.S. employers to implement supportive workplace policies for women experiencing menopause. The executive producers of the film 'The (M) Factor' and MiDOViA, a workplace health consultancy, are organizing a 10-city tour
to educate employers on creating menopause-friendly workplaces. The tour, starting in January 2026, aims to address the lack of support for menopausal women, which affects their productivity and leads to workforce attrition. Statistics indicate that 1.3 million women enter menopause annually, with 80% reporting no workplace support, costing U.S. businesses $26.6 billion in lost productivity. The initiative includes training sessions and a menopause-friendly accreditation program to help companies improve their policies.
Why It's Important?
The initiative highlights a significant gap in workplace support for menopausal women, which has broader implications for workforce retention and productivity. By addressing this issue, companies can reduce attrition rates and improve their bottom line. The lack of support not only affects individual women but also has economic consequences, as businesses face substantial productivity losses. Implementing supportive policies can create a more inclusive work environment, benefiting both employees and employers. This movement also reflects a growing recognition of the need for gender-sensitive workplace policies that accommodate the unique health challenges women face during their careers.
What's Next?
The Menopause Friendly Roundtable events will take place in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago, from January to March 2026. These events will provide HR and DEI executives with training and resources to implement menopause-friendly policies. Attendees will earn SHRM credits and gain insights into creating supportive environments for menopausal women. The initiative aims to foster long-term changes in workplace culture, encouraging more companies to adopt inclusive policies. As awareness grows, it is expected that more organizations will participate in the accreditation program, further promoting gender equity in the workplace.
