Working women may soon have an easier time navigating a major life change in the workplace.

Gov. Bob Ferguson has issued an executive order directing state agencies to make accommodations for their workers experiencing menopause. He’s also charged the Washington State Women’s Commission with developing guidance and training resources for public and private employers to support their employees. 

“We are losing women in the workforce with tremendous knowledge and experience because we are not doing enough to prepare for a natural stage of life,” Ferguson said in a statement “We must do more to support women, and to support employers who want to keep their experienced staff in the workforce.” 

Menopause for many women tends to fall between 40 and 59 years of age and can bring insomnia, brain fog and hot flashes. Nearly 4 in 10 working women in Washington state fall within that age range. 

Two in five women considered leaving their job or did leave a job due to menopausal symptoms, and one in four considered not pursuing or did not pursue a leadership opportunity as a result, according to the Society for Women’s Health Research. Research also indicates that Black, Asian and Latina women tend to enter menopause earlier than white women and that women living in rural areas are more likely to reach menopause earlier than women living in urban areas. 

Ferguson’s order directs the commission to work with state agencies to review existing policies and practices and make recommendations for measures such as telework options, flexible dress codes and access to cold water and temperature control. 

The order also directs the commission to work with the Department of Health, the Health Care Authority and the Bree Collaborative to draft guidance and training resources on menopause and perimenopause accommodations for state agencies and other public and private employers. 

“Menopause has been invisible in workplace policy for too long,” said WSWC Executive Director Brittany Gregory in a statement. “These are not burdensome changes; they are smart workforce policy that ensure experienced workers can stay, grow and lead.”