Menopause focus of landmark workplace study

In a landmark investigation, Adelaide University will be researching the impact – if any – of shift work on women going through menopause.

In what will hopefully be a step forward for women’s reproductive health, the study aims to address gaps in workplace policy and find a solution.

Central to the 2024 Senate inquiry is the far-reaching effects of menopause and perimenopause not only on women’s health, but also on greater workforce productivity and participation.

The latest study will also analyse sleep, fatigue, health, wellbeing and workforce performance across a range of menopause stages, experiences, and work schedules.

Through a combination of online surveys and focus groups, the study will uncover whether shift work in particular presents an additional challenge for women going through menopause, according to lead researcher, Dr Linda Grosser.

She said: “Hot flushes, poor sleep and brain fog are common symptoms of menopause that millions of women manage every day while continuing to work, care for families and navigate daily life.”

“Yet for women who work night shifts, rotating rosters or other irregular sleep schedules, these challenges may be compounded by the well-known impacts of shift work on sleep and recovery.”

While the direct impacts of menopause and shift work are well documented, their combined interaction and effect are not widely known.

According to Grosser, the study comes at a time when “more women than ever are working longer and remaining in shift-based industries such as healthcare, emergency services, mining and transport, which means many are experiencing menopause at the peak of their careers”.

“Understanding these experiences is critical to developing practical strategies that support women’s health, wellbeing and workforce participation,” she said.

“Ultimately, we hope the findings will contribute to healthier ageing, improved workforce participation and more inclusive workplaces, while helping women remain healthy and engaged in their careers.”

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