Effect of Menopause in the Workplace– Socioeconomic Differences

This paper explores the impact of socioeconomic status on women’s experiences of menopause in the workplace by employing a comprehensive literature review to synthesize existing knowledge on the topic. Over the past two decades, the physiology and resulting symptoms of menopause have become better understood and recognized for their importance in a woman’s overall quality of life. Specifically, research is starting to look at how menopause impacts women in the workplace. However, socioeconomic status has been left out of much of this research. Socioeconomic status (SES) impacts women in nearly every aspect of life, including their physical and mental health, access to resources, and quality of life, including the workplace. Our goal is to better understand the effects of menopause and socioeconomic status and its impact for women in the workplace.

Recent studies on socioeconomic status and menopause in the workplace have indicated there are differences in how menopause is experienced related to vasomotor symptoms, physical health, mental health, and beyond. Lack of education about menopause in women and employers is a theme across the board.

This review indicates that socioeconomic status does affect how menopause is experienced at work, with disparities in access to resources, support, and job security observed across different socioeconomic groups. There is a need for future investigations to focus on class disparities to ensure equitable representation and understanding of menopausal challenges. Additionally, workplaces can leverage these insights to better comprehend and address the diverse experiences of menopausal women, fostering more supportive and inclusive environments.