Menopause and Career: Getting through the Change with Ease

Menopause is a time of change that presents many women with new challenges – not only physically, but also emotionally and professionally.

Anne Feldt, founder of hermaid, explains in an interview on how women can master the balancing act between career, menopausal symptoms and private life.

Hot flashes, sleep disorders, mood swings - the symptoms of menopause can really disrupt everyday working life. At the same time, many women reach a point in this phase of life where they re-evaluate their professional life and ask themselves: Am I still happy with my job? What are my goals?

Anne, you always emphasize that the menopause is an opportunity for women in the workplace. What exactly do you mean by that?

A: The menopause can be a challenging time when many women rethink their lives - both professionally and personally.
Especially in midlife, we often ask ourselves questions like: Am I still happy in my job? Do I want to try something new? Where do I want to go? For some, this is a time of career reorientation, for others, everything stays the same - both are perfectly fine.

Does this mean that we should all quit our jobs and find our new calling?

A: No, not necessarily. Work has many dimensions. It secures our livelihood and gives structure to our everyday lives. Financial worries can also cause stress and have a negative impact on health.
However, work can also be fulfilling if you develop professionally and take on new challenges. Focus on your strengths and pursue topics that suit you.

"Tackle the things that are blocking you."

Often it is our own obstacles that prevent us from being successful in our careers. For example, I was hesitant to speak English for a long time. At some point, I decided to go to South Africa for three months and take an intensive language course. Today I work almost exclusively in English.

Tip: The federal government uses "educational leave" to promote various further training measures, such as language courses or resilience training. Use this funding opportunity to develop yourself professionally and personally.

You brought up the issue of women communicating their needs in the workplace.

A: Yes, communicating your needs in the workplace is an important issue, especially during menopause. Many women suffer from problems such as concentration problems, sleep disorders, or hot flashes, which can affect their performance. They often feel compelled to hide these complaints, which leads to additional stress.
In many companies, the management level is largely male. It is understandable that women do not necessarily want to tell their (male) superiors about their menopausal symptoms.
We therefore work with companies and various departments (HR, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) to sensitize employees and managers to the topic of menopause. In training courses, we impart knowledge about the needs of women during menopause and show concrete measures that companies can take. These measures go in many directions, from adapted work clothing to relaxation rooms to communication training.

Am I not giving employers yet another reason to sideline me?

A: No, quite the opposite! By openly addressing your situation, you show initiative and a sense of responsibility. You signal to your employer that you are aware of the challenges and are ready to find solutions.
The economic situation may be tense, but that is precisely why experienced female employees are important for companies. Studies show that diverse teams are more successful. Many companies are actively striving to increase the proportion of women, especially in management positions.

Menopause is not an illness, but a natural phase of life. With the right measures such as nutrients, exercise, diet or medication, women can get their symptoms under control and continue to be successful in their careers.
Talk openly with your employer about your needs and show them that you are a valuable employee. In this way, you can help ensure that menopause is no longer a taboo subject in the workplace and that women receive the support they need.

Menopause at Work: Tips for Women

What advice do you have for women who feel that it is difficult to combine work and menopause?

A: It is important to be aware of your own situation and to set priorities. Here are a few concrete tips:

• Reflect on mental stress: Think about which tasks are particularly demanding for you and be aware of how much mental work you are doing.
• Share responsibility: Talk to your partner, family, or team about your challenges and find ways to distribute tasks fairly.
• Learn to say no: Focus on things that are really important to you and practice turning down tasks that exceed your capacity.
• Schedule time for yourself: Schedule regular breaks in which you are just there for yourself – be it for exercise, meditation or simply to relax.
• Letting go of perfectionism: Not everything has to be perfect. Sometimes it's enough to just be "good enough."

Menopause at work: How employers can support

How can employers support women during menopause?

A: Employers can play a big role by creating a supportive work environment. This includes:

• Open conversations: Women should feel encouraged to speak up about their concerns without fear of stigma.
• Flexibility: Flexible working hours or the option to work from home can help enormously.
• Adaptation of the workplace: For example, measures such as good room ventilation or places of retreat can be useful for women with hot flashes.

Many people do not know that menopausal symptoms that last for more than a year and affect performance can be considered a chronic illness. In such cases, the employer is obliged to adapt the workplace accordingly.

How should women approach the conversation with their employer?

A: Preparation is key. Here are a few steps that can help women:

• Document symptoms: Record how your symptoms affect your everyday work. This helps you to give concrete examples in the conversation.
• Arrange a personal meeting: Ask your supervisor for an appointment in a quiet, discreet environment.
• Educate: Many people know little about menopause. Explain the facts and how adjustments can help you cope better with your work.
• Suggest solutions: Come up with ideas, such as flexible working hours or ergonomic adjustments.
• Follow up: Arrange a follow-up meeting to check whether the measures are effective.

What role does the compatibility of work and private life play in this phase of life?

A: During menopause, it is especially important to ensure a good work-life balance. Many women juggle work, family and their own needs, which often leads to overload. That's why it's helpful to reset your focus and live more consciously.

Are there strategies to reduce the mental load?

A: Yes, absolutely! Here are some of my top tips:

• Self-reflection: Think about which tasks drain your energy and which give you joy.
• Delegate: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks – whether at work or in your private life.
• Create a routine: Plan your day so that you have regular breaks for yourself.
• Prioritize: Set clear boundaries and focus on the things that really matter.

How can women take action to better manage their menopause?

A: There are many ways to get involved:

• Medical advice: Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and possible treatments.
• Further education: Find out more about menopause, e.g. through courses or platforms like Hermaid. Knowledge gives you the power to make the right decisions for yourself.
• Exchange with others: Network with women who have similar experiences. This creates understanding and gives courage.

What is your most important advice for women going through menopause?

A: Be open to change and don't let the symptoms discourage you. Menopause is a time of change but also an opportunity to live your life more consciously. Seek support wherever you need it - whether it's talking to your employer, getting medical help, or talking to other women. You are not alone and every small change can make a big difference.

More information and support

hermaid is offered as an employee benefits program to support women in menopause. Anne Feldt and her team at hermaid help women cope with menopause with more ease.

hermaid is offered as an employee benefits program to support women in menopause:

Advantages of a hermaid employee benefits, program:

• Improved employee wellbeing: hermaid provides information, advice, and support on all aspects of menopause, promoting the physical and mental well-being of employees.
• Increased motivation and productivity: When women can better manage their menopausal symptoms, their concentration and performance increase.
• Reduced absenteeism: hermaid helps to reduce health-related absenteeism by providing women with early support and better managing their symptoms.
• Strengthening employer branding: A company that promotes the health and well-being of its employees is more attractive to potential applicants.
• Improved company culture: hermaid helps create an open and inclusive company culture where menopause can be discussed and women receive the support they need.