Why no woman should have to choose between herself and her career during menopause
You are tired. Not just tired, but tired in a way that is hard to explain. You sleep poorly, your concentration is different, and tasks that used to come naturally suddenly require more energy. Perhaps you doubt yourself more often or feel that you have to work harder to achieve the same result. Meanwhile, work continues as usual. Deadlines must be met, meetings are scheduled, and colleagues are counting on you.
Many women in this situation do what they have always done: they persevere. They say nothing, try to solve their symptoms themselves, and assume that this is simply part of the process. After all, menopause is something every woman goes through. But that is precisely where things go wrong.
The hidden impact of the transition on the workplace
When people think of menopause, they often think of hot flashes. In reality, the impact is much greater. Women may experience fatigue, sleep problems, loss of concentration, brain fog, mood swings, memory issues, and loss of self-confidence. Symptoms that affect not only daily life but also functioning in the workplace.
What makes these complaints particularly complicated is that they are often invisible. A woman does not immediately call in sick, but she does notice that she has more difficulty performing her work in the same way as before. This frequently leads to insecurity. Not because she has become less capable, but because no one has explained to her what is happening in her body, brain, and behavior.
It is precisely these women who are invaluable.
What is remarkable is that many women find themselves at the peak of their careers during the peri- and menopause. They possess years of experience, mentor colleagues, lead teams, and hold key positions within organizations. Their knowledge, insight, and leadership are not easily replaceable.
Yet it is precisely these women who sometimes ask themselves what is wrong with them. Not because they can no longer handle their work, but because their bodies are changing while expectations remain the same.
The problem is not the menopause.
The menopause is not the problem. The lack of knowledge and awareness is.
Many women do not recognize their symptoms as hormonal changes. At the same time, many managers and HR professionals have insufficient knowledge of the impact menopause can have on the well-being and functioning of employees. As a result, women continue to search for solutions, while what they often primarily need is insight.
When women understand what is happening, calm emerges. When organizations understand what is at play, space is created for conversations that were not held before. Not out of pity, but out of understanding and awareness.
Why this is an organizational issue
Menopause affects much more than just the individual woman. It impacts sustainable employability, talent retention, leadership, and ultimately the culture of an organization.
Companies invest a great deal of time and money in attracting talent. But how often is thought given to retaining experienced women? When organizations fail to address menopause, they risk losing valuable knowledge, experience, and leadership.
That is not only a personal loss for the woman, but also a missed opportunity for the organization.
The transition as an opportunity
At Victorious Women, I view this phase of life differently. I do not see menopause as a period of decline, but as a period of change. A phase in which women relearn to understand what their bodies need and in which they have the opportunity to emerge from this period stronger than they entered it.
With the right knowledge, guidance, and support, women can gain more insight into their health, learn to manage their energy better, and continue to function with more self-confidence at work and beyond.
Victorious Women @ Work
With Victorious Women @ Work, I help organizations and women understand this phase, make it open for discussion, and translate it into concrete action. Through lectures, workshops, training, and coaching, I support organizations in creating a work environment where women's health becomes part of sustainable employability and good employership.
Because no woman should have to choose between herself and her career during menopause.
Time to start the conversation
Do you recognize yourself in this story? Or are you an employer, HR professional, or manager and do you want to better understand the impact the transition has on the workplace?
Then it is time to start the conversation.
Women do not need even more perseverance at this stage. They need knowledge, understanding, and support. Organizations have the opportunity to play an important role in this.
Would you like to know what Victorious Women @ Work can mean for you or your organization?
Please feel free to contact us.
Because the transition doesn't have to be an obstacle. Perhaps it is actually the start of a stronger second half.
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