More than a third of employed women aged 35 and over would not feel confident telling their manager that perimenopause or menopause symptoms were affecting them at work, according to research supplied by Saga Health Insurance.
The workplace findings are based on a survey of 500 employed UK women aged 35+. Just over half reported a negative impact at work, including 18% who described that impact as significant. These are respondents’ reported experiences, rather than a measure of employer performance.
Support is not always visible
Nearly a third (32%) were unsure whether their employer had a menopause or perimenopause policy, guidance or support. A further 31% said no support was available. The findings suggest that making existing support easy to find matters alongside deciding what to offer.
Commenting on wider awareness of perimenopause, Dr Semiya Aziz, a GP and medical expert working with Saga on the research, said:
“There’s still a gap between recognising the word and truly understanding what it involves.”
Dr Semiya Aziz, GP and medical expert
Why it matters for HR
For employers, the practical issue is whether people know where to turn and feel comfortable starting a private conversation. Clear signposting, informed line managers and an individual approach to support can help turn a written policy into something employees can use. Managers should support access to appropriate advice rather than make assumptions about someone’s health.
Research context: Saga supplied the workplace results for 500 employed UK women aged 35+. Its accompanying wider research was conducted through OnePulse in 2026; exact fieldwork dates and the workplace sample’s weighting were not provided. The workplace findings should not be generalised to all UK employees.
Illustrative photograph: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels. The people pictured are models, not survey participants.
