This Bay Area Firm Is Revolutionizing Menopause Care for Workers

The Brief

• The Bay Area biotechnology corporation Genentech is providing assistance for menopausal employees.
• The initiative aims to offer tailored assistance throughout each phase of the menopause transition.
• As growing evidence indicates, this suggests that symptoms may result in negative consequences at work.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - A major biotechnology company based in the Bay Area is gaining increasing recognition for tackling a subject that has traditionally been considered taboo and avoided in professional settings.

South San Francisco-based Genentech offers assistance programs designed specifically for female staff members experiencing menopause, with an aim to increase understanding around this normal phase of a woman’s life.

The assistance provided is thorough, and the expenses are covered not just for employees experiencing menopause, but also for their spouse or partner.

"A key aspect of our menopause benefits includes a digital health platform offering round-the-clock customized assistance. This encompasses instant access to video consultations with healthcare providers who specialize in various stages of the menopause experience, along with guided sessions and written content led by professionals aimed at helping manage menopause-related symptoms," stated a representative from Genentech in an emailed response to KTVU.

The firm mentioned that the advantages also encompass referrals to local healthcare providers specializing in menopause, along with drop-in support groups.

The program additionally assists in locating a nutritionist, along with a wellness coach, a mental health provider, and career and physical support coaches.

The backstory

The initiative was introduced back in 2023, coinciding with International Women's Day on March 8.

Genentech stated that it has been a trailblazer in the biotechnology sector for nearly five decades, and the origin of its menopause program mirrors how it has established itself within the biotech industry.

"The concern about menopause in the workplace was brought up by our very own employees — the same people behind many of our top innovations," the company clarified.

During a gathering organized by the Genentech Women Professionals employee resource group—an event that was announced as inclusive for all staff—it was some participants who shared their experiences facing difficulties associated with managing menopause symptoms in the workplace.

The firm mentioned that it listened to this feedback and responded by establishing the support services.

"The initiatives highlight the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where women’s health requirements are addressed comprehensively, enabling every employee to perform at their peak," said the spokesperson to KTVU.

Cori Davis, Genentech’s Chief People Officer, has candidly discussed her personal struggles with menopause and has worked diligently to raise awareness of the associated health concerns. She aims to make sure employees feel acknowledged and valued during this phase of their lives.

"It’s critical that leaders invest time to understand their employees’ needs and challenges," Davis told KTVU in a statement. "This contributes to being a successful and thriving business. Understanding the unique needs of women helps drive an inclusive culture and can improve productivity and retention," she added.

Menopause and workplace productivity

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic found in the U.S., the cost of lost work time due to menopause symptoms is estimated to be $1.8 million a year. That price tag soared to $26.6 billion annually when medical expenses were added.

The findings identified a link between menopause symptoms and adverse work outcomes, including decreased productivity, absenteeism, and lost opportunities for career advancement.

"The takeaway for employers is that there is a critical need to address this issue for women in the workplace," said lead author Dr. Stephanie Faunion.

A recent Stanford University study found that women who are in the perimenopause or menopause phases make up an estimated 20% of the U.S. workforce.

Stanford researchers found a significant decline in earnings among menopausal women.

"The economic losses are substantial," researchers said. "Estimates show that, four years after a menopause-related diagnosis, earnings decline by 10%."

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that symptoms frequently result in decreased working hours as women attempt to cope with menopause symptoms.

"Workplaces can support women who may be experiencing menopause by offering flexible working arrangements, adjustable room temperatures, non-restrictive and breathable uniforms, and adequate access to restrooms," the CDC recommended.

Symptoms

Although hot flashes and mood swings are commonly recognized as typical signs of menopause, numerous women experience a broader array of side effects. These may encompass issues such as mental cloudiness, reduced vitality, disruptions in sleep patterns, and discomfort in the joints.

Studies show that reduced hormone levels due to menopause may increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases and can impact bone health as well.

According to the information provided, during the menopausal phase, the levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are hormones produced by the ovaries, drop significantly. National Institute of Aging .

Statistics indicate that, typically, menopause occurs around the age of 52. It is characterized as the moment when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual cycle for twelve successive months.

The duration of menopause-related symptoms differs significantly between women, according to studies indicating that elements such as heredity, ethnicity, and habits may play roles.

"You can have symptoms of menopause for up to 10 years before it officially occurs," according to the Cleveland Clinic "The typical duration of menopause symptoms lasts around seven years," according to the academic medical center.

The methods employed to alleviate symptoms encompass hormone therapy, modifications in lifestyle, along with complementary medications.

Serving as a model

Genentech said its efforts go beyond addressing menopause within its own workplace.

By showcasing the significance and advantages of backing women throughout various life phases, such as during menopause, we aspire to set an example for other businesses," stated Genentech. The company also noted, "We urge other entities to contemplate adopting comparable thorough assistance initiatives.

Since the program’s launch, the company said it’s had 1,450 employees and their spouse or partner utilize the services.

Moreover, the feedback from participants who have benefited from this program has shown its success, as reported by the company.

The firm stated, "We've gathered extremely favorable informal feedback from women who say they genuinely feel understood," alongside sharing insights from a recent poll.

What they're saying

One staff member mentioned, 'My wellness coach assessed my current physical condition and helped us establish modest objectives that I could realistically achieve without aiming for perfection,'

Another person commented, "My obstetrician is incredible. She offered valuable advice along with suggestions regarding symptoms that were not properly addressed."

Other support efforts

This initiative to back women experiencing menopause has also been observed in different guises from other corporations, such as the technology behemoth based in Santa Clara. Nvidia .

The firm has joined forces with the digital health platform Peppy to provide assistance to both staff members and their spouses.

One-to-one sessions with experts, along with access to digital materials and support on subjects like psychological wellness, diet, exercise, and life changes are included," the firm informed KTVU via a release, further stating, "This initiative showcases NVIDIA’s dedication to meeting the various healthcare requirements of both staff members and their relatives.

Legislative efforts

Moreover, efforts have been made to enhance support through new legislation, extending beyond individual organizations.

Earlier this year, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) has proposed the Menopause Care Equity Act, aiming to broaden insurance coverage for treatments related to menopause. This initiative strives to ensure that women have access to equal care during both menopause and perimenopause.

Assembly Bill 432 mandates that physicians who have over 25% women in their patient base receive training on menopause.

The legislation has garnered attention and backing from organizations such as the California Legislative Women's Caucus as well as from Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry.

"I am looking forward to collaborating with you this year to make sure it becomes law, as we have been inadequately served for much too long," Berry stated.

The actress has become an international spokesperson for raising awareness about menopause and supporting related research initiatives.

Barry mentioned that AB 432 tackles the significant disparities encountered by women in search of menopause healthcare.

Bauer-Kahan’s office stated that the healthcare system often falls short for numerous women regarding the accurate diagnosis, care, and treatment of menopause, noting that merely 19 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 60, who exhibit symptoms, receive an official menopause diagnosis.

Moreover, 73% of women are not addressing their symptoms, potentially resulting in avoidable health hazards and financial strains.

Firms such as Genentech aim to shift towards a more inclusive environment where the cultural demands of women's healthcare are addressed.

Davis mentioned that as we make these crucial discussions more commonplace, women will feel more at ease sharing their requirements and seeking assistance.