The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan is taking a holistic approach to creating a menopause-inclusive workplace by providing benefits and resources for employees experiencing menopause while reducing stigma around the topic.
The employer offers benefits such as hormone replacement therapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy and, in January, it launched a health-care spending account that allows employees to have greater access to benefits that can support them on their menopause journey, says Dianna Ospina, manager of benefits at the HOOPP.
“Our approach has been really holistic, breaking down the stigma and raising awareness by making employees feel comfortable talking about menopause in the workplace.”
The investment organization also hosts information sessions on menopause, including one hosted by a fitness coach that examined the importance of exercise and nutrition during perimenopause and menopause. The topic of mental health during menopause will be covered during an upcoming session, says Ospina.
“We’ve had employees thank us for finally talking about this and we’ve had some share ideas such as [informing employees experiencing menopause] where they can get access to cold water or how they can adjust the temperature in our office.”
While once considered a taboo subject, menopause and the workplace has increasingly become top of mind for employers, highlighted by events such as World Menopause & Work Day (taking place Sept. 7) and World Menopause Day, which this year will be marked on Oct. 18.
Read: 32% of B.C. women say menopause symptoms impact their job in some way: survey
The impact of menopause on women’s careers is substantial. A 2024 report by Sun Life Financial Inc. found two-thirds (60 per cent) of working women believe health issues around menstruation, menopause and reproductive health can affect their career advancement abilities, while one in 10 (10 per cent) said they’ve left their job or were planning to because of menopausal symptoms.
Similarly, a 2024 survey by the Women’s Health Research Institute, in collaboration with the B.C. Women’s Health Foundation and Pacific Blue Cross, found a third (32 per cent) of women employees in British Columbia said menopause symptoms impact their job in some way. A tenth (9.4 per cent) said they had to turn down a job promotion or career advancement due to menopause symptoms.
In order to break down stigma, it’s important for employers to include all employees in the menopause conversation, she says. “It’s challenging for women to speak about it in the workplace and men may not be sure how to navigate the topic. . . . When we promote our sessions, we say allies are welcome.”
Read: How L’Oréal Canada is creating a more menopause-inclusive workplace