Recent findings underscore a significant economic burden stemming from women's health issues, particularly menopause, in both the UK and the US. In the UK, conditions such as painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause cost the economy approximately £11 billion (€13 billion) annually due to lost productivity from women missing work. Specifically, around 60,000 women are unable to work due to menopause symptoms, which alone accounts for an estimated £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion) in economic losses each year. A survey conducted by Bonafide revealed that 76% of women reported having no workplace support for menopause, exacerbating absenteeism and career stagnation. Furthermore, 48% of women felt that menopause made them appear less productive, while 42% stated that it hindered their career ambitions. [f87f6efa]
In the US, the situation mirrors these challenges, with menopausal women being the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. A staggering one in five workers in the U.S. is currently experiencing menopause, and by 2025, millennials are projected to make up 75% of the global workforce. A recent study estimates that menopause costs the U.S. economy approximately $26.6 billion annually, with 93% of women reporting moderate to severe impacts of menopause symptoms on their work. Additionally, 70% of millennial women indicated they would consider reducing their work hours due to menopause symptoms. A significant 84% of women agree that more support is needed in the workplace. [303f4c4c]
Dr. Ranee Thakar emphasizes the urgent need for investment in women's health, advocating for a £1 (€1.19) investment per woman in obstetrics and gynecology services, which could yield a return of £319 million (€379.2 million). This aligns with the UK government's introduction of a 10-year women's health strategy in 2022, which aims to address these pressing health concerns. Previous government initiatives included allocating £25 million for women's care centers. In the US, companies like Standard Chartered have expanded menopause-related health benefits in 2023, highlighting the growing recognition of the need for menopause-friendly workplaces. Kelly Montes, an advocate for women's health, emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments to mitigate the stigma surrounding menopause. These developments underscore the broader economic implications of women's health issues and the necessity for systemic changes to support women's well-being in the workplace. [f0878d72]