More than a third of employed women worry that their age will negatively affect their work (38%), according to a new study.
A survey of 2,000 employed Americans found that the fear of aging in the workplace is real, as baby boomers expressed the greatest concern (43%).
Those who are worried about their age affecting their work are worried about their physical mobility and health (42%), the amount of work they can do (37%) and how going through a big change health conditions, such as menopause, will affect them. work (23%).
The results showed that health is a common topic of discussion in workplaces (47%), finding that 55% claim to feel comfortable talking about anything and everything with their colleagues – men more than women (62% vs 53%).
Conducted by Talker Research for Intimina, the survey also showed that when it comes to women, in particular, those working under a female manager are more likely to feel like their workplace is a safe space for all conversations (57% vs. 48%) .
Gen X (49%) and Millennials (48%) are more likely to discuss health in the workplace, and the same is true for women when compared to men (50% vs. 38%).
Those who are comfortable discussing their health with colleagues said it comes naturally in conversations (44%) and because they are generally comfortable talking about it (38%).
On the other hand, those who do not feel comfortable discussing their health in the workplace want to keep work and private life separate (34%) and said it does not come naturally (23%).
Looking at their views on women’s specific health concerns in the workplace, half of respondents believe women should take time off work when experiencing menopausal and menstrual symptoms (49% each) – an average of about four days each .
Women are more likely to think they should take time off for menopause (51% vs. 42%) and menstruation (51% vs. 46%), along with those who work in a predominantly female workplace.
“We recognize that women experience menopause and menstrual symptoms in varying degrees of intensity,” said Dunja Kokotovic, INTIMINA Global Brand Manager. “While some can manage these symptoms with minimal disruption, others may find they need time off to recover and maintain their well-being. The fact that nearly half of women believe they should have the opportunity to to take time off during these periods, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting the specific health needs of women in the workplace.”
Regardless of whether time off is already provided, 73% believe it is important for workplaces to create an environment where women feel comfortable asking for time off or assistance due to menstruation or menopause.
Although most are comfortable with the conversation, one in seven respondents feel embarrassed to talk to their colleagues about their health and one in five feel uncomfortable talking about their health to their manager (19%).
Forty percent of those whose manager is of the opposite gender said that if they were of the same gender, they would feel more comfortable talking to them about health concerns, including 41% of women.
Only half of women think their workplace would be supportive if they experienced menopausal symptoms that affected their ability to work (51%), with baby boomers feeling less confident (41% ).
The survey polled 500 women experiencing menopause and found that only 38% of these women said their boss knows, and this is more common for those with a female manager (44% vs. 24%).
Seven in 10 women currently experiencing menopause said they would push themselves to their limits at work (71%) while dealing with symptoms such as feeling tired (51%), tired (48%) and irritable (47%) ), so that no one thinks about them. differently.
But perhaps support is closer than they think: 71% would offer extra support to a colleague who was experiencing menopause.
“We encourage workplaces to create an environment where women feel supported and understood, especially when it comes to menopause,” Kokotovic said. “While symptoms such as fatigue and irritability are more commonly recognised, it is important to be aware of the lesser-known symptoms women may experience, such as burning mouth (5%), shock (6%) and palpitations irregular heart (10%).
“For those in the workplace who want to provide support, understanding these less identified symptoms can make a significant difference in helping colleagues navigate this challenging phase with greater comfort and confidence.”
TOPICS THAT INVISIBLE PEOPLE COMMONLY DISCUSS IN THE WORKPLACE
- TV/Movies – 54%
- Family – 47%
- Health – 47%
- Music – 43%
- Hobbies – 43%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 employed Americans (at least 500 of whom are menopausal women); the survey was commissioned by Intimina and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Aug. 1 and Aug. 7, 2024.
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