Why don't men talk about menopause

In an era where diversity and inclusion have become cornerstones of corporate culture, the silence around menopause in the workplace is both puzzling and telling. Despite being a natural phase in the lives of half the population, menopause seems to be shrouded in mystery, especially among men. This silence not only undermines efforts towards gender equality but also impacts the productivity and well-being of a significant segment of the workforce.

The Echo Chamber of Women's Voices

Embarking on a study to understand workplace experiences around menopause, researchers hoped to gather insights from a wide array of voices. Instead, they found themselves in an echo chamber, predominantly filled with women's perspectives. While some may view this as a setback, it actually underscores the issue at hand—men's reluctance to engage in conversations about menopause.

Menopause in the Australian Workforce

Data highlights a striking reality: over 70 percent of women transitioning through menopause are employed, representing more than 1.6 million Australians. Women over 40 are not just a growing demographic in the workforce; they are at their peak of productivity and experience. Yet, the symptoms of menopause often push them into roles with less responsibility, a clear indicator that the workplace is failing to accommodate their needs.

The Study: Aiming for Awareness and Solutions

The 'Perimenopause, Menopause, and its Impact on Working Women' study, spearheaded by Metluma alongside prestigious universities and funded by the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, sought to fill this gap in understanding. Its goal was to enlighten health management protocols and shape menopause policies that truly meet women's needs. This initiative underscores a pressing need to keep women in senior roles longer, advocating for workplace adjustments that recognize and mitigate the challenges posed by menopause.

Why the Silence from Men?

The reluctance of men to engage in discussions about menopause is multifaceted. Many claim a lack of qualification to discuss the topic, viewing it as irrelevant to their experiences or roles within the workplace. This mindset not only perpetuates the stigma surrounding menopause but also hinders the development of supportive, inclusive workplace cultures.

Menopause: The Next Frontier of Workplace Equality

Metluma champions the belief that addressing menopause in the workplace is pivotal to achieving gender equality. The financial rationale is compelling; diversity in leadership has been shown to significantly enhance business performance. Yet, the exodus of women from the workplace due to menopause-related challenges is a costly oversight, with potential losses amounting to billions.

A Call for Male Engagement

The study inadvertently highlighted a crucial strategy for progress: engaging men in the conversation. This isn't about relegating menopause to a "women's issue" but rather recognizing it as a workplace issue that affects everyone. By drawing parallels to the extension of maternity leave to paternity leave, the argument is made for a similar, inclusive approach to menopause.

Educational Gaps and Opportunities

Reflecting on past efforts to improve sex education, it's clear that educating men about women's health issues like menstruation and menopause is not just beneficial but necessary. These discussions are not about delving into personal details but about fostering a supportive, empathetic workplace environment.

Strategies for Change and Inclusion

Metluma is actively developing strategies to bring menopause into the open, encouraging awkward but necessary conversations among coworkers. Their upcoming webinar, "Menopause is Your Business," is just one example of efforts to normalize these discussions, illustrating the importance of collective understanding and support.

Conclusion: A Unified Approach for a Healthier Workplace

Menopause should not be a taboo topic in the workplace. Instead, it offers an opportunity to advance gender equality and improve the overall work environment. By engaging all employees in the conversation, organizations can create supportive structures that accommodate the needs of their workforce, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.