Addressing Menopause in the Workplace

Health & research

Feb 28

Who: Universitetet i Bergen (UiB)

What: Addressing Menopause in the Workplace: Breaking Silence and Building Awareness Nationwide

"One of the most significant challenges related to menopause in working life is the persistent silence and stigma surrounding the topic," says Associate Professor Inger Haukenes, project manager for KLAR. "This makes it difficult for women to feel comfortable sharing their experiences, even during some of the most productive years of their careers."

The KLAR project seeks to shatter this silence. Through targeted outreach to businesses, organizations, healthcare providers, and the general public, KLAR aims to foster a culture where menopause can be discussed openly and without stigma.

Support from Grieg Foundation Drives Change

Support from the Grieg Foundation has been instrumental in making this initiative possible. A dedicated communication work package is a key aspect of the project, which has proven invaluable to the researchers. Since its inception, KLAR has received an overwhelming number of inquiries from companies, government agencies, politicians, and organizations seeking insights into women's health, menopause, and workplace issues. The demand is clear: the project team has conducted over 40 engagements across the country, with a fully booked calendar for the rest of the year.

Companies Taking Action

One company that sought KLAR's expertise is Gjensidige. "Through our 'Women in Finance Charter,' we are committed to increasing the proportion of women in management and specialist roles," says Siri Langangen, Executive Director for People & Communication at Gjensidige. "To achieve this, we must ensure we retain the women we hire by addressing issues like women's health, including menopause. As an employer, we wanted to deepen our understanding of this important topic."

Langangen praises KLAR's efforts, emphasizing the need for a Norwegian research project on women's health, as discussions often rely on international studies. KLAR's lecture at Gjensidige was delivered both in person and online, with the recording made accessible afterward. Employee feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing pride and gratitude for the initiative. One employee wrote, "I feel so proud that our employer is addressing this topic."

While such initiatives are well-received, Langangen acknowledges the need for continued progress in normalizing discussions about menopause in the workplace. Gjensidige has already implemented concrete measures, such as creating an internal information page on women's health and incorporating the topic into their ongoing webinar series.

"We are in a maturing process," says Langangen. "I hear more women talking about menopause, and women's health is being mentioned more often now. But there are still taboos and challenges in putting these issues on the agenda, especially in male-dominated environments."

Encouraging Conversations Across Workplaces

Another organization that benefited from KLAR's visit this year is A2G Competence and its occupational rehabilitation department (ARR) in Vestland. Here, men also attended the lecture, and the impact has been tangible among employees and managers alike.

"Many women in occupational rehabilitation experience challenges that align with menopausal symptoms. These challenges often make it difficult to maintain steady employment, and some women drop out of the workforce entirely," says Wenche Breistein Rubecksen, head of the department. "I wanted our team to understand these issues better and feel more confident discussing them and in asking questions to our clients. The goal is to encourage affected women to seek help and gain the support they need."

According to Rubecksen, the lecture has fostered greater openness on the topic. "The knowledge we gained has encouraged us to bring up menopause in conversations," she says. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, even from male colleagues. "Several men remarked that the lecture provided useful insights."

Involving Men in the Conversation

Although most of KLAR's audiences have been women, greater male participation is essential to breaking the stigma. Haukenes highlights a recent success: speaking at the Norwegian Locomotive Drivers' Association safety conference, where the majority of attendees were men. "I encountered an engaged and curious audience," says Haukenes. "They asked thoughtful questions and showed genuine interest in how to create a supportive work environment for women experiencing menopause."

She commends the locomotive drivers for their leadership in addressing menopause in a traditionally male-dominated profession. "Congratulations to Norway's locomotive drivers for putting menopause and workplace well-being on the agenda," she says.

Toward a More Inclusive Work Culture

The KLAR project is proving that discussions about menopause can—and should—be normalized in workplaces across Norway. With continued efforts to involve all genders and foster understanding, the project is paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women navigating this life stage.