Menopause Friendly Australia: Evidence-Based Support for Organisations and Employees
If you think you’ve heard all the statistics about menopause at work, it’s time to think again and, more importantly, to think evidence-based. Menopause Friendly Australia remains firmly committed to helping workplaces create menopause-friendly cultures by using trusted, evidence-based insight that makes a measurable difference for people and organisations alike.
The Power of Evidence-Based Research
The conversation around menopause in Australian workplaces is evolving rapidly. Inspired by our UK partners, we’re proud to highlight their latest review led by Professor Jo Brewis of The Open University. Building on the landmark 2017 Government Equalities Office report which aggregated data from 104 credible studies published over 25 years. This new review examines over 130 sources published between 2017 and early 2025, ranging from peer-reviewed academic research to industry-leading publications and government reports.
What does this show us? First, evidence in the menopause-at-work space is growing at an unprecedented pace. Second, the need to distinguish fact from fiction has never been more vital.
Why Evidence-Based Support Matters
Our co-founder, Deborah Garlick, puts it plainly: “Bad data doesn’t just confuse the conversation. It could increase discrimination.” Dramatic statistics like those claiming that “over 90% of women say menopause seriously affects their work” are often based on unrepresentative samples and don’t stand up to academic scrutiny.
The reality: menopause affects everyone differently. Around three in four people experience symptoms, with roughly one in four experiencing serious symptoms that may significantly impact work. Importantly, some sail through without noticeable disruption.
False headlines such as “900,000 women leave the workforce due to menopause” don’t withstand careful analysis. Overstating the problem can fuel the myth that menopausal women are less capable. As Baroness Fox noted in the UK Parliament, relying on exaggerated statistics risks portraying menopausal women as weak. At Menopause Friendly Australia, we know the truth: menopausal women are powerful.
Supporting Real People in Real Workplaces
Effective menopause support at work isn’t about scare tactics or ticking boxes. It’s about understanding, flexibility, and genuine support. Our Menopause Friendly Membership and Accreditation program is the only globally recognised, independently assessed accreditation of its kind trusted by more than 600 employers and over 160 accredited organisations worldwide.
This isn’t just a matter of policies and posters. It’s about fostering cultures where people feel comfortable having conversations, accessing support, and knowing they’re valued. We work directly with Australian employers across industries, and hear from individuals every day, seeing firsthand how supportive workplace cultures empower people to thrive.
What’s more, our UK and Australian surveys have captured over 10,000 lived experience comments, the largest dataset of its kind. This unique perspective helps us identify what works best and how organisations can drive meaningful change.
Why Choose Menopause Friendly Australia?
We understand that becoming a menopause friendly workplace takes more than a policy or a poster. It requires expertise, insight, and practical steps grounded in evidence not guesswork. As the only evidence-based membership program leading to independent accreditation, Menopause Friendly Australia offers trusted resources, expert advice, real-world understanding, and a proven pathway for creating a truly supportive culture.
Leading the Way Together
We’re proud to set the standard alongside forward-thinking employers across Australia. If you’re ready to move beyond the myths and make a real difference, Menopause Friendly Australia is here to help using evidence-based strategies proven to work.
Trusted. Evidence-based. Proven. Together let’s create positive change for your organisation and your people.