HealthMore Employers Want To Support the Change. Yes, That Change What's going on: Over the years, celebrities like Halle Berry and Drew Barrymore have helped reduce the stigma around menopause. Now, it seems more employers might be catching on — recognizing insomnia, hot flashes, and brain fog as concerns in the workplace. The share of US companies with 200 or more employees offering menopause support benefits rose to 25% this year, according to HR consulting firm Mercer. That’s compared to 15% in 2023. Some of the benefits are quick fixes, like in-office quiet rooms with air vents and comfort closets stocked with fans and deodorant. Others offer more long-term support, like access to menopause specialists and coverage for medical treatments, and social opportunities like designated menopause discussion Slack channels. What it means: Menopause support isn’t just a nice thing for employers to do — it’s good for business. Women aged 50 and older are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the workplace, according to the Labor Department, and companies want to prevent women from scaling back or dropping out of the workforce completely. The cost of missed work due to menopause-related symptoms is an estimated $1.8 billion, according to the Mayo Clinic. One HR leader said it’s important that menopause is addressed because it “affects well-being, productivity and retention.” It’s also considered a natural next step for companies that have prioritized other benefits like expanded fertility coverage, pre- and post-natal care, and parental leave. Related: More States Look To Help Cancer Survivors With Fertility Costs (Axios) | 
