An evaluation of demographic characteristics and workplace experiences of UK employees using an employer-provided menopause application.

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to determine the demographic characteristics and workplace experiences of users of a menopause application in the UK. A retrospective observational study of data extracted from the information submitted by 21,555 users of the Peppy Health menopause application during registration. Menopause symptoms were measured using the Menopause Rating Scale. The other questionnaire items assessed workplace impairment, work absence, thoughts about reducing hours or leaving work, feelings of support and disclosure confidence. Users were predominately peri- and postmenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 60. The users reported menopause symptoms that were more severe than in the general population. Symptom severity was associated with work impairment and wanting to reduce hours worked or leave employment, and feeling supported was associated with less impairment. The menopause application is reaching women in the workplace who are experiencing severe symptoms and who are likely to benefit from targeted support. Among the users of a menopause application, the presence of severe menopause symptoms can have a significantly negative effect on work and future participation in paid employment. The results also indicate the potential role of support to mitigate some of the negative impact.