In honor of World Menopause Day, the company Intimina, dedicated to women’s intimate health, has published a revealing study that exposes how menopause significantly impacts the work environment of women in Spain. According to the report, an alarming 35% of women express fear of being judged for taking time off work due to symptoms associated with this stage of life.
Menopause is characterized by a series of bothersome and debilitating symptoms, such as hot flashes, fatigue, and night sweats, which affect 80% of women. These symptoms not only negatively impact their quality of life, but also their work performance. 49% of women report that their sex life has been affected, 47% in their personal life, and 42% in their work environment. Consequently, a concerning 26% have needed to take time off or even considered leaving their job.
The work environment still treats this topic as a taboo, especially among men. While 65% of women share their problems with age-matched peers, only 10% do so with men or younger employees. However, those facing these symptoms sometimes receive support from their male colleagues and superiors. Nonetheless, there remains a fear of being perceived as weak, limiting their willingness to openly discuss their difficulties.
The study also highlights how men perceive menopause. Most acknowledge it as a hormonal change, and 80% support women taking time off work during this stage. However, 60% of men would like their companies to provide more information about menopause to better support their female colleagues.
Selina Giacuzzo, Business Development Manager at Intimina, emphasizes the need for companies to provide a safe and prejudice-free work environment that allows women to share their symptoms without fear of judgment. Promoting understanding and support in this context could significantly improve the work life of many women going through this natural phase.
For those interested in delving deeper into the study’s findings, Intimina has provided an online link, demonstrating their commitment to awareness and support for women during menopause.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
