Effectiveness of workplace-based interventions to promote wellbeing among menopausal women: A systematic review

Abstract

Menopausal symptoms are known to affect quality of life and work productivity. This systematic review aimed to describe the range and effectiveness of workplace-based interventions for menopause. MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EconLit, and SCOPUS were searched from the inception until April 2022. Quantitative interventional studies evaluating physical/virtual workplace-based interventions aiming to improve well-being, work, and other outcomes, that involved women in menopausal transition, or their line managers/supervisors were eligible for inclusion. Two randomized controlled trials and three uncontrolled trials, comprising 293 women aged 40–60 years and 61, line managers/supervisors, were included in the review. Results were narratively synthesized due to the heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes and we found that only a limited range of interventions have been evaluated for their ability to support women going through menopausal transition in the workplace. Self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); Raja yoga; and health promotion (involving menopause consultations, work–life coaching and physical training) improved menopausal symptoms significantly. Self-help CBT was associated with a significant improvement in mental resources for work, presenteeism, and work and social adjustment. Awareness programs significantly improved knowledge and attitudes of both employees and line managers/supervisors about menopause. The interventions have mostly been evaluated in small studies with selected populations but have improved menopausal symptoms and work outcomes. A customizable menopause wellbeing intervention package incorporating these evidence-supported interventions should be developed and implemented on a wider scale within organizations alongside robust evaluation of its effectiveness.