More than half of working women do not feel comfortable discussing menopause at work, new data shows, despite growing pressure on employers to improve support for staff experiencing symptoms.
Many women said symptoms including brain fog, anxiety and insomnia were affecting their ability to perform at work, raising concerns about wellbeing, confidence and retention among midlife employees.
The figures come just weeks after updated government guidance came into effect requiring large employers to introduce menopause support measures by April 2027.
Research from Serenova, a women’s health and wellness supplement company focused on menopause support, found that only 44 percent of women felt comfortable discussing menopause in the workplace, while just 18 percent said their employer had a menopause policy in place.
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Pressure grows on employers
Brain fog was identified as the symptom affecting work performance the most, with 45 percent of women reporting difficulties concentrating or thinking clearly. Hot flushes affected 36 percent, while 31 percent said anxiety had disrupted their working lives.
Mood swings, low confidence and insomnia were also commonly reported by respondents, suggesting many women continue to struggle through symptoms without formal workplace support. Experts say it is likely to intensify scrutiny on employers as businesses prepare for the introduction of the government’s updated Menopause Action Plan guidance.
Under the new measures, organisations with 250 or more employees will be expected to have menopause support provisions in place by April 2027. But concerns remain that many women working in smaller businesses may still struggle to access support or guidance.
Official figures show there are more than 5.6 million small businesses in the UK employing fewer than 50 people, alongside thousands of medium-sized employers that also fall outside the immediate scope of the new rules.
Elle Sheppard, global head of marketing and communications at Serenova, said many women still felt unable to speak openly about symptoms because menopause remained taboo in many workplaces.
“Our survey offers a snapshot into the stark difference between how women feel, and how vocal they are in seeking the support they need at work,” she said. “Too many people feel that discussing symptoms such as brain fog and hot flushes are taboo, while the low confidence that the menopause can bring, can often cause strong successful women to question themselves and miss out on professional opportunities.”
She said greater understanding and workplace awareness could help more women feel supported during midlife. “With the right support and understanding, many more women could reclaim and reframe this time in their lives,” she said.
Searches for menopause help soar
The research also pointed to growing demand for menopause advice outside the workplace, with Google searches for “menopause support” rising by 244 percent over the past year.
Half of respondents said better education around menopause was needed, while many believed awareness should begin much earlier in life. Around 18 percent said education for women should start between the ages of 15 and 18.
More than 80 percent of women surveyed also agreed that men should receive greater education about menopause and how to support women experiencing symptoms.
Sheppard welcomed the government’s latest guidance and the appointment of broadcaster and campaigner Mariella Frostrup as the government’s Women’s Employment Ambassador.
“As more large businesses turn their attention to the topic and put policies in place, it starts to create a level of awareness that can help to lift the menopause taboo,” she said.
Government estimates have previously suggested menopause-related sickness absence, reduced productivity and women leaving work cost the UK economy around £1.7 billion each year.
Sheppard said many women still felt isolated while attempting to balance symptoms with careers and family responsibilities.
“There will still be many women working at smaller companies who may feel like they don’t know where to turn when they start experiencing menopause symptoms, and we believe that every woman, regardless of where she works, deserves to have robust menopause support in place.”
The survey was conducted by One Poll between 25 February and 2 March 2026 among 1,000 UK women aged over 30 who were perimenopausal, menopausal or post-menopausal.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
