EADA analyses the impact of menopause on the workplace and highlights the measures most valued by working women
93.5% of women surveyed experience symptoms, but only 5% of companies offer specific support.
Menopause significantly affects women's well-being and performance in the professional environment, but it continues to be an invisible stage in organizations. This is the conclusion of the first edition of the study "The Impact of Menopause on Work in Spain 2025," prepared by EADA Business School under the direction of professor and researcher Aline Masuda, PhD.
The report, based on surveys of 575 working women in Spain between the ages of 45 and 58, reveals that 93.5% experience at least one symptom related to menopause, and 60.4% report suffering from seven or more. Among the most common are fatigue (80%), sleep problems (75%), and muscle discomfort (74%).
Despite the physical and emotional impact, 71% of those surveyed maintain a high level of commitment to their work, and 82% have never taken time off due to these symptoms. However, more than 50% have considered leaving their jobs, especially those experiencing more intense symptoms.
One of the study's main findings is the lack of institutional response: only 5% of companies offer specific employee benefits for this stage. Furthermore, although more than half of women feel comfortable discussing the topic, 53% have never addressed it in their professional environment, which contributes to the feeling of isolation.
“Menopause continues to be an invisible stage in the workplace. Although most women go through this phase with commitment and motivation, the lack of institutional support represents a real risk to the retention of female talent. It's time for organizations to recognize this reality and promote more empathetic, flexible, and informed environments,” notes Aline Masuda.
The study also highlights the measures most valued by female employees to address this stage, such as flexible hours, informational workshops, and remote work. However, Masuda warns that this last measure can be a double-edged sword: “In many cases, remote work extends the workday and leads to higher levels of fatigue. It is essential that these initiatives are accompanied by policies for digital disconnection and work-life balance.”
The data also reveal a positive correlation between female leadership and organizational resilience. Women in leadership positions report 12% more psychological safety and 15% more work engagement than those without management positions, underscoring the strategic value of promoting inclusive and empowering work environments.
With this study, EADA Business School reaffirms its commitment to research applied to the development of more humane, sustainable, and inclusive organizations and calls on companies to incorporate support policies that address the reality of women at all stages of their professional lives.