# Menopausal Symptoms, Perceived Workplace Openness and Work Productivity Among Japanese Women: Baseline Findings from a Large-Scale Cohort Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how menopausal symptoms and workplace openness affect work productivity among Japanese women, highlighting the importance of supportive work environments.

## Contribution

The study provides baseline insights into the relationship between menopausal symptoms, workplace openness, and productivity in a large Japanese cohort.

## Key findings

- Psychological symptoms had the strongest negative impact on work productivity.
- Perceived workplace openness was significantly associated with higher productivity.
- Educational attainment and work experience were linked to better productivity.

## Abstract

Public health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue?
Menopausal symptoms are highly prevalent among midlife working women and can become an equity concern in occupational health.Low psychological safety in the workplace can exacerbate the effects of menopausal symptoms on work functioning.

Menopausal symptoms are highly prevalent among midlife working women and can become an equity concern in occupational health.

Low psychological safety in the workplace can exacerbate the effects of menopausal symptoms on work functioning.

Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health?
Menopause-related psychological and physical symptoms can impair concentration, communication, and decision-making at work.Supportive organizational climates may help sustain women’s health and employment during midlife.

Menopause-related psychological and physical symptoms can impair concentration, communication, and decision-making at work.

Supportive organizational climates may help sustain women’s health and employment during midlife.

Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policy makers and/or researchers in public health?
Integrating occupational health professionals and fostering psychologically safe work environments can support women’s well-being and help maintain productivity during the menopausal transition.Organizational support for menopausal health aligns with public health priorities, including disease prevention, mental health promotion, and reducing health disparities among working women.

Integrating occupational health professionals and fostering psychologically safe work environments can support women’s well-being and help maintain productivity during the menopausal transition.

Organizational support for menopausal health aligns with public health priorities, including disease prevention, mental health promotion, and reducing health disparities among working women.

This study analyzed baseline data from a six-month longitudinal cohort to describe the demographic, occupational, and symptom profiles of Japanese working women and to examine associations between menopausal symptoms, workplace openness, and work productivity. A total of 4000 women aged 40–60 years completed the Simplified Menopause Index (SMI), a commonly used measure in Japan to assess menopausal symptoms, and the validated Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) to assess self-rated work productivity. Multiple regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for demographic and occupational covariates. Psychological symptoms showed the strongest negative association with work productivity (β = −0.186, p < 0.001), while vasomotor symptoms showed a small positive coefficient (β = 0.054, p = 0.007). Somatic symptoms were not significant (β = −0.033, p = 0.121). Lower perceived workplace openness was associated with lower productivity (β = −0.149, p < 0.001), such that employees who felt uncomfortable or unsure about discussing health concerns reported lower productivity. Higher educational attainment, longer working hours, and longer years of service were also associated with higher productivity. These findings indicate that psychological and physical symptoms are associated with lower work functioning during midlife, while supportive organizational environments appear to be relevant in this context. These cross-sectional findings provide a foundation for future longitudinal analyses and highlight the potential relevance of workplaces that promote open health communication.