absenteeism and transition; is this negotiable in your organization?

Everyone feels less comfortable at times. With women, this can sometimes have to do with women-specific complaints. Do you employ women? Chances are that your organization has experienced absenteeism as a result. By discussing this in the workplace and with the right guidance, absenteeism can be prevented as much as possible. However, there is still a taboo around calling in sick due to these complaints, such as menopause. It is time to change this!

Oct. 18 is World Menopause Day where the goal is to raise awareness of menopause. One place from where this awareness can take place is the workplace. 94% of women do not indicate menopause-related symptoms when they call in sick and 60% of women state that the combination of work and menopause is difficult for them. 1 in 10 women state that this causes them to burn out, and 1 in 3 women are on the verge of burnout. Despite the fact that so many women are dealing with menopause, there is a taboo surrounding the term. This is unfortunate. Because these symptoms not only lead to unnecessary absenteeism, 8% in fact regularly call in sick for short periods, but unfortunately can also lead to a disrupted working relationship.

Every stage of life presents different challenges, and so does the transition. A short fuse, hot flashes, palpitations, loss of concentration, migraines. These are just some of the symptoms a woman can experience. Once this is known, specific solutions and support for an employee's stage of life can be looked at. This increases productivity, prevents dropout and has a positive effect on loyalty. It is not only about what your employees can do at work to reduce the effects of the complaints, but also outside of work. Consider changes in diet, lifestyle and exercise. How can she rearrange her own life, adjust working conditions, get fit and stay fit and thus get a better handle on the transition?

Break the taboo of talking about this. As an employer, you can make a difference that benefits not only the employee, but also the team and the organization. Our Labor & Health Advisors support in making such topics discussable. For more information contact your advisor and discuss the transition and its effects on the workplace.