Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of women in the events industry who have experienced menopause said it had prevented them from doing their job properly, new research has found.
And worryingly, 70 per cent of respondents said menopause had negatively affected their mental health, according to Northstar Meetings Group’s First Look Research survey: Silent Struggle – The impact of menopause on the events industry.
Menopausal symptoms can have a significant impact on women's physical and emotional well-being, which can, in turn, affect their productivity, job satisfaction, and overall work performance. A lack of general understanding and awareness of menopause has led to many women feeling unsupported in the workplace. This new research aims to identify the blind spots in menopause awareness and actively encourage conversation, education, policies and practices that foster supportive and equitable workplaces for menopausal women.
While menopause has long been considered a taboo subject, which often goes undiscussed, the First Look Research found that there is a desire for knowledge about this natural, biological transition, with 88 per cent of respondents stating they want to know more about menopause and its association symptoms.
Health practitioners have long stressed the importance of talking about the menopause, saying it can increase empathy, understanding, and support for women experiencing this life stage. It can also dispel myths and misconceptions, fostering a culture of education and awareness around women's health.
Some 460 people took part in the survey, 326 of which said they were either going through or had gone through menopause. More than 95 per cent of respondents identified themselves as female, pointing towards the fact that many men in the meetings and events industry are yet to engage in this topic.
Download full report here: First Look Research: Silent Struggle
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
