Health

Why Menopause in the Workplace Matters: Allie Theiss on Changing Corporate Culture

February 15, 2025

By: Roberta Smith

Menopause affects millions of women in the workforce, yet it remains one of the least discussed and least accommodated health transitions in corporate environments. With nearly half of the global workforce made up of women—and many in leadership roles—companies may no longer afford to overlook the impact of menopause on productivity, retention, and overall workplace wellness.

Allie Theiss, MSc, CSC, ABS, a Menopausal Care Provider and Integrative Wellness Coach, is actively advocating for menopause-friendly workplace policies. Through her Thrive Framework™, Theiss helps businesses recognize the importance of addressing menopause openly, providing education and support for employees experiencing this transition.

“Menopause isn’t just a personal health issue; it’s a workplace issue,” says Theiss. “Women in midlife are some of the most experienced and valuable professionals in an organization, yet they are often left without support during one of the most challenging transitions of their lives. It’s time for companies to step up and create workplaces that empower, rather than alienate, menopausal employees.”

The Silent Workplace Crisis: How Menopause Affects Productivity

Research suggests that menopause-related symptoms—such as brain fog, insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue—can directly impact work performance. According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, up to 34% of women experiencing menopause-related symptoms are undiagnosed and may not even realize menopause is the cause of their struggles. These challenges can lead to lower engagement, increased sick leave, and even early retirement.

Despite these impacts, menopause is rarely addressed in employee wellness programs. Unlike maternity leave or mental health support, menopause remains largely taboo in the workplace, leaving many women feeling isolated and unsupported.

“Women have spent decades breaking barriers in their careers. Yet when they reach midlife, many feel like they have to hide their struggles or power through in silence,” says Theiss. “We need to reframe menopause as a natural transition—one that companies should acknowledge and support.”

Why Businesses Should Care: The Bottom Line on Menopause Support

Ignoring menopause in the workplace doesn’t just hurt employees—it also can affect business performance, retention, and diversity efforts. When companies fail to support menopausal employees, they may risk:

Loss of Leadership Talent – Many women in their 40s and 50s hold senior or executive positions. If they leave due to unaddressed menopause-related challenges, companies could lose experienced leaders.
Decreased Productivity – Brain fog, fatigue, and anxiety can significantly reduce focus and efficiency. Without workplace accommodations, performance may decline.
Higher Healthcare Costs – Employees struggling with menopause symptoms often make more frequent healthcare visits, which can increase insurance claims and overall costs for employers.
Gender Equity Gaps – Companies that prioritize maternity leave and parental benefits but ignore menopause may create an unequal workplace for women across all life stages.

“Menopause policies should be viewed as a critical part of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives,” Theiss notes. “We can’t talk about supporting women in leadership if we’re not supporting them through every stage of life.”

Creating a Menopause-Friendly Workplace

Theiss works with organizations to integrate menopause support into corporate wellness programs, providing strategies that help employees thrive. Some of the most effective workplace accommodations may include:

Flexible Work Schedules – Offering remote work or adjusted hours can allow employees to manage symptoms like fatigue and insomnia without impacting performance.
Menopause Education & Awareness Training – Providing workshops for HR teams, managers, and employees can help break the stigma and normalize conversations around menopause.
Mental Health Support – Incorporating menopause into employee wellness programs can ensure that women have access to resources for managing stress, anxiety, and mood changes.
Environmental Adjustments – Simple accommodations, such as temperature control, access to cool spaces, and relaxation areas, can significantly improve comfort for employees experiencing hot flashes or night sweats.
Menopause-Friendly Policies – Just as companies have maternity leave, implementing menopause leave or offering paid sick days specific to menopause-related health concerns could make a profound difference.

“Women don’t need a complete career pause during menopause; they need a workplace that understands their needs and supports them with simple, thoughtful policies during this critical life phase,” Theiss emphasizes.

The Future of Menopause in the Workplace

As awareness grows, more companies are beginning to recognize the need for menopause-friendly policies. The UK has already taken the lead, with major organizations integrating menopause support into HR initiatives. In the U.S., however, workplace policies still lag behind.

Theiss is committed to helping companies catch up, providing corporate training and consulting services to make menopause inclusivity a standard part of workplace wellness. Her work not only supports individual employees but also aims to enhance company-wide productivity and retention.

“Menopause isn’t the end of a woman’s career—it’s a phase where she can thrive with the right support,” says Theiss. “Forward-thinking companies understand that investing in their employees’ well-being at every stage of life can lead to stronger teams, better leadership, and a more inclusive work culture.”

As Theiss continues her mission to redefine menopause in the workplace, she encourages companies to start the conversation. By acknowledging menopause as a workplace issue and implementing proactive solutions, businesses can retain top talent, create healthier environments, and foster a culture where all employees can succeed.

To learn more about Allie Theiss’s work, visit menopausewellness.co or follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Published by Zane L.