A mixed-methods investigation of women's health-friendly organisations as perceived by menopausal working women

To examine women's perspectives on what constitutes a women's health-friendly work culture, and to assess whether perceiving one's organisation as women's health-friendly is associated with menopausal symptom experience and work-related outcomes.

A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey collected self-reported quantitative and qualitative data from working menopausal women. Primary outcome measures included presence of menopausal symptoms (past four weeks), vasomotor symptom problem rating, job stress, and whether participants perceived their organisation as supportive of women's health (dependent variable). Two open-ended questions explored participants' views on what makes a work culture friendly or unfriendly to women's health.

From the responses of 300 participants, over two-thirds (65.7%) perceived their organisation as supportive of women's health. These participants reported significantly lower job stress and less problematic vasomotor symptoms than those who did not. No significant association was found between menopausal symptom presence. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses revealed two overarching themes capturing shared perceptions of women's health-friendly and unfriendly work cultures. Theme 1 focused on the people at work: awareness and understanding of women's health, attitudes towards women and work, and their talking about women's health at work. Theme 2 addressed more structural factors of organisational arrangements and provisions: flexibility in work arrangements, resources and support, and the physical work environment.

This study provides novel insights into how women perceive a health-friendly work culture and the potential relevance to menopausal experiences and work. The findings have clear implications for policy and practice, warranting further attention and investigation.