Hot flashes during a client meeting. Poor sleep, and then having to be sharp at 8:30 a.m. for the team meeting. Forgetting where you left off. For many women between the ages of 40 and 60, this is just another Tuesday. Yet we hardly ever talk about it at work. On October 18, International Menopause Day, we’d like to put an end to that.
Menopause is not a disease. It is a stage of life that every woman goes through, usually starting in her mid-40s. On average, this stage lasts 7 years, and sometimes as long as 15. That’s a significant portion of a woman’s career.
And we’re talking about a lot of people. In healthcare, education, and social services, they actually make up the majority of your team—experienced, loyal colleagues you don’t want to lose. At ZekerArbo , we believe that job satisfaction and health go hand in hand. So yes: menopause is just a natural part of life.
More than 8 out of 10 women going through menopause experience physical or psychological symptoms. According to the new guidelines for occupational physicians, 55% experience symptoms that interfere with their work.
Sleep and energy are exactly what you need to do your job well. The most striking thing is that almost no one mentions it. That’s not a minor issue—it’s a blind spot.
You don't always notice menopausal symptoms. And when you do notice them, you're quick to label them as something else. Stress. A slump. Or: she's just less motivated. Keep an eye out for signs such as:
You don't have to make a diagnosis. The important thing is that you have the courage to start the conversation—just as a person.
You don’t have to write a big policy plan to make a difference. Since March 2026, there has been an NVAB guideline on Menopause and Work. The message: if the workplace is structured in a way that allows women to continue working despite symptoms, it leads to greater job satisfaction and less Sickness Absence . Five things you can do as early as tomorrow:
You don't have to solve it. You just need to bring it up for discussion. We're definitely here to help you figure it out.
Do you recognize yourself in this story? If so, you're in good company. You don't have to figure it out on your own.
Do you want your organization to become menopause-friendly, but aren’t sure where to start? We’d be happy to help you figure it out. Our occupational physicians follow the new NVAB guidelines and know exactly what works.
Ready to get started? Contact your dedicated account team or schedule an introductory meeting. hassle-free —simply well organized. That’s for sure.
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