Menopause ‘culture of silence’ sparks early retirement
Menopause remains a taboo subject and a lack of workplace support means many women retire early, the peak union body will tell a parliamentary hearing as part of a push for paid reproductive leave.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) wants 10 days’ leave for menopause and fertility issues affecting both women and men, as well as flexible working arrangements.
The union will take its case to a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday into menopause and perimenopause, which was set up to investigate the economic, physical, mental and financial impact of a phase of life experienced by half the population.
Menopause hits between the ages of 45 and 60 and symptoms include tiredness, a racing heart, night sweats, feeling faint, sleeping issues, mood swings and brain fog.
Perimenopause – which precedes it – can last for up to 10 years and begin in women aged in their 30s.
Women are retiring roughly seven years before men, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, leading to lost earnings and super.
ACTU president Michele O’Neil said the impact of menopause was hidden as “the taboo nature of the subject often means there is a culture of silence”.
“As a result, women are retiring far earlier than they might if the workplace offered better support,” she said.
The right to 10 days’ paid reproductive leave and flexible work arrangements would allow workers to manage their symptoms and stay in the workforce, Ms O’Neil said.
Workers in the Queensland public service already have these rights under a decision made by the state government earlier in 2024.
A survey of about 700 people conducted by employee support platform Circle In found 83 per cent said menopause negatively affected them at work yet just 70 per cent felt comfortable speaking to their managers about it.
Monash University Women’s Health Research Program head Susan Davis told the inquiry providing women with better healthcare and support could prevent a workplace exodus, but warned it could risk labelling women as impaired while going through a normal stage of life.
During a hearing in June, Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes said menopause leave might not be needed given the other types of leave already in place, and could leave employers reluctant to hire or promote women.
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