iAtoday

By Myriam Auclair
Product Leader, Group Insurance
Group Benefits and Retirement Solutions
iA Financial Group
Myriam Auclair’s profile

Menopause marks a significant new chapter in women’s lives, one which is often accompanied by major physical, cognitive and psychological changes. These changes can affect both their personal and professional lives.

In fact, over one in three Canadian women experience career setbacks due to menopause, and one in ten may leave their job entirely.¹

That’s why I think it’s worthwhile for organizations to take a closer look at the issue of menopause and what it means for their employees.

To help them in this process, I refer to our white paper Menopause and work: creating an inclusive environment which outlines these issues. There are solutions to be found in work accommodations and adjustments, as well as in group insurance plans.

Read my complete article in our thought leadership space Insights.

The challenge of inclusivity and equity

My analysis indicates, among other things, that there is a major obstacle to managing menopause: it is often ignored or downplayed, but still needs to be approached frankly and openly.

Taboos and stigmatization are commonplace. Four out of five women dealing with menopause symptoms would not feel comfortable discussing them with their company’s human resources department.²

However, 75% of working women would like their employer to adopt or provide menopause-supportive policies and programs.

I therefore encourage organizations to talk openly about menopause: as well as helping to normalize the topic, it demonstrates that the organization cares about this issue and about optimizing the total wellbeing of employees.

Listen, learn, understand, act

Meeting the challenge of menopause promotes the total wellbeing of women and of the entire organization by optimizing productivity and inclusivity in the work environment.

To learn more, please read my full analysis: Menopause and work: creating an inclusive environment.

Communication to plan administrators

We will be sending a communiqué to group insurance plan administrators on July 21.

See the French version of this communiqué.

¹ Menopause Foundation of Canada, A Playbook for Employers, 2023.

² Ibid.