Women at Work in Pain: How Entrepreneurship Can Help

Menopause is an inevitable phase in a woman’s life that brings considerable changes, often disrupting her daily routine and work performance. Despite its prevalence, the professional world remains largely unprepared to offer the necessary support. A comprehensive survey by Deloitte, involving 5,000 women across 10 countries, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of these issues.

Key Findings:

• Health Challenges: Over 25% of professional women report suffering from conditions related to menstruation, fertility, or menopause, with nearly 40% working through severe menstrual or menopausal pain.
• Primary Caregivers: About half of the women with a partner handle the majority of childcare and eldercare, complicating their work commitments and career focus.
• Workplace Safety: A significant portion of women (nearly half) express concerns about their safety in the workplace or while traveling for work, compounded by experiences of microaggressions and harassment.

The Impact of Menopause on Professional Life

Menopause can profoundly affect a woman’s ability to perform at her best. Traditional workplaces often lack the infrastructure and policies to support women during this transition, which can lead to decreased job satisfaction and productivity. Symptoms that interfere with work include:

• Physical Symptoms: Hot flashes and physical discomfort can disrupt daily activities and require a more adaptable work environment.
• Mental and Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings and cognitive changes demand understanding from colleagues and supervisors, which is not always forthcoming.
• Lack of Support: Many women feel they must conceal their menopausal status due to stigma, preventing them from seeking the accommodations they need.

The Deloitte survey highlights that many women experiencing menopausal symptoms feel compelled to work through pain and discomfort due to lack of workplace support. These issues are compounded by traditional work structures that do not accommodate fluctuating health needs.

Entrepreneurship and Franchising

Entrepreneurship and franchising provide alternatives that allow women to work in ways that suit their menopausal symptoms.

• Flexibility: By owning a business or franchise, women can set their own work hours, which helps manage fatigue and other symptoms more effectively.
• Controlled Environments: Women can design their workspaces to suit their specific needs, such as temperature control and privacy for resting when necessary.
• Independence: Managing their own business enables women to create policies that genuinely support their health, without the need to conform to traditional corporate expectations.

No woman should have to choose between her health and her career. Entrepreneurship and franchising provide valuable alternatives that allow women to adapt their professional endeavors to better suit their menopausal phase. BizFranHub is dedicated to empowering women with the tools and community support to navigate this transition successfully.

Read our Franchise Guide to learn more about how BizFranHub can help.