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Empowering Midlife : Exploring A Thematic Analysis of How the menopausal Transition Shapes Working Experiences

Aa, B.B. van der (2025) Empowering Midlife : Exploring A Thematic Analysis of How the menopausal Transition Shapes Working Experiences.

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Abstract:This qualitative study investigates how women experience the menopausal transition in the workplace and how it influences their perceived functioning and engagement at work. Despite menopause being a natural life stage affecting an increasing share of the workforce, it remains insufficiently addressed in professional settings. Prior research has often focused on symptoms or organisational responses, overlooking women’s own interpretations. This study fills that gap through thematic analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews with predominantly Dutch women aged 47–57. Three central themes emerged: “Redefining the Relationship with Work”, “Social Bridges and Barriers”, and “Identity and Self-Perception at Work”. The findings highlight that menopause is not solely defined by physical symptoms but also by broader life dynamics, workplace flexibility, and levels of social support. Experiences varied widely: while some women encountered stigma and reduced work capacity, others found greater self-awareness, confidence, or emotional resilience. These insights underscore the need for inclusive, supportive work environments that validate menopause-related experiences and promote open dialogue. The study calls for culturally sensitive, flexible workplace practices that empower women during this life stage and foster a more nuanced, human-centred approach to employee wellbeing. Je zei: Can you focus a little more on what the study does rather than the rational? ChatGPT zei: This qualitative study examines how women experience the menopausal transition in the workplace and how it affects their perceived functioning and engagement at work. Using thematic analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews with mainly Dutch women aged 47–57, the research explores not just physical symptoms, but also the broader impact of menopause on professional identity, workplace relationships, and social support. The study identifies three overarching themes: “Redefining the Relationship with Work”, “Social Bridges and Barriers”, and “Identity and Self-Perception at Work”. These themes highlight how women navigate changing priorities, shifting energy levels, and varying degrees of support or stigma within their work environments. Some participants described diminished work capacity and challenges in communication, while others reported increased emotional resilience, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. By focusing on women's lived experiences, the study offers a nuanced perspective that goes beyond symptom management or organisational policy. It shows that menopause is shaped by both individual and contextual factors, including life-phase dynamics and workplace flexibility. The findings point to the need for more open, inclusive, and culturally sensitive approaches in the workplace that acknowledge and support women through this transition.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107281
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