Why are women leaving work due to perimenopause and menopause symptoms?

For many women, leaving the workforce during perimenopause and menopause is a last resort driven by cumulative, unaddressed challenges rather than a lack of capability.

In this episode, Rebecca talks about how workplace cultures in fast-paced STEM and startup environments, often fail to provide necessary adjustments, adequate facilities, or open communication, causing qualified women to suffer in silence or quietly opt out.

By dismantling societal stigma and fostering supportive internal cultures, organizations can prevent unnecessary turnover and retain senior female talent.

Key Takeaways

• Leaving is a Last Resort: Women rarely leave roles on a whim; quitting is typically the final outcome of managing unaddressed symptoms alongside workplace pressure.

• Cognitive Symptoms Impact Confidence: Symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and concentration issues can undermine a professional's confidence during key moments like presentations or client pitches.

• Physical & Environmental Barriers: Basic lack of access to facilities (e.g., adequate toilet access as highlighted in the "Release the Bogs" report for construction) significantly exacerbates symptom management.

• The Silence Problem: Roughly 60% of women do not disclose their symptoms at work due to fears of judgment, being perceived as incapable, or societal stigma.

• High-Pressure Cultures Speed Up Attrition: "Work hard, play hard" environments, such as tech startups, reward long hours and social drinking, making it difficult for those experiencing symptoms to feel supported or included.

Rebecca is interviewed by journalist Steve Randall.