Menopause costs workplaces $26.6B yearly—here's how companies are fighting back

The financial impact of menopause on workplaces has reached $26.6 billion each year. This figure includes lost productivity and medical costs linked to unmanaged symptoms. Many companies are now recognising the need for better support systems to address the issue. Menopause can disrupt sleep, mental clarity, and even oral health. Without proper support, women often cut back on work hours, turn down promotions, or exit the workforce entirely. These challenges also affect leadership pipelines and employee retention.

Over the past decade, workplace benefits for mental health and fertility have become standard. Sun Life U.S. has taken a further step by introducing a menopause-care programme. This includes coaching, nutrition advice, sleep support, and mental health resources.

The company’s goal is to keep experienced leaders in their roles while preserving their expertise. Employees using the benefit have described feeling more valued and understood. However, experts stress that a supportive culture is just as important as the benefits themselves. Open discussions about menopause help normalise the topic and encourage employees to seek help. The introduction of menopause-care benefits aims to reduce workplace absences and medical costs. By addressing symptoms early, companies can retain skilled employees and maintain productivity. A culture of openness remains key to ensuring these benefits are used effectively.