The Hidden Cost of Menopause in the UK Tech Industry

At our recent Women in Tech event, we were privileged to hear from Katherine Church (Digital Health Consultant, Femtech Adviser and NED) and engage in great conversations with our amazing attendees. Together, we explored the real impact of menopause on careers and the critical need for businesses to respond.

There were some insightful takeaways and actionable ideas shared, all aimed at continuing this much-needed conversation.

The UK tech industry is famed for innovation, agility, and pushing boundaries. However, it still seems to be falling behind when it comes to supporting one of the most natural transitions in the workforce, the menopause.

With women over 50 now the fastest-growing workforce demographic in the UK, and a significant portion working in tech and digital roles, ignoring menopause isn’t just outdated, it’s a business risk.

Many companies see menopause as a personal issue. But the organisational cost can be substantial.

According to a 2022 report by the Fawcett Society:

  • 1 in 10 women leave work due to menopause symptoms.
  • 44% say symptoms negatively affect their ability to work.
  • Presenteeism and absenteeism lead to lost productivity across departments.

In a high-performance industry like tech, where burnout is already rampant and talent is hard to retain, this results in:

  • Early retirement of senior developers and managers
  • Lost and Leadership experience
  • Lower morale and team cohesion
  • Recruitment and training costs to replace skilled staff

The tech sector already faces challenges with gender diversity. If menopause remains a taboo topic, we’re likely to see:

  • A leadership gap: As women exit mid-to-senior roles prematurely.
  • Inclusion failures: Tech prides itself on forward-thinking, yet menopause remains a silent exit route for many.
  • Reputation risks: Younger talent increasingly values inclusive cultures. A lack of menopause support reflects poorly.

Supporting menopausal employees doesn’t require massive structural changes, but it does require awareness, empathy, and leadership.

Here’s where to start:

  1. Create a menopause-friendly policy. Incorporate flexible working, reasonable adjustments, and clear routes for support.
  2. Train managers. Many line managers feel unprepared to have conversations about menopause. Equip them.
  3. Normalise the conversation. Use internal comms, ERGs, and events to break the stigma.
  4. Provide physical and mental health support. This includes access to occupational health, counselling, and medical support.

Here are some practical tools to help your organisation start to explore what you can do to support women in your workplace.

Fawcett Society: Menopause and the Workplace Report An in-depth data and recommendations for UK employers

British Menopause Society: Workplace Guidance Guidance for clinicians and employers.

Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace Training and consultancy services tailored to businesses.

CIPD Menopause at Work Guide A comprehensive guide for HR and people leaders.

The Latte Lounge Podcast  Midlife women’s health, careers, and menopause Podcast.

Over The Bloody Moon An Organisation that’s on a mission to remove the muddle from menopause, menstruation, and andropause.

BSI Guide to Menstruation, Menstrual Health and menopause in the workplace. A useful guide for businesses about supporting women in the workplace.


The UK tech industry can’t afford to ignore the simplest truth: supporting women through menopause isn’t just compassionate – it’s commercial sense.

By creating menopause-inclusive cultures, we protect our talent pipeline, retain our most experienced leaders, and send a powerful message: everyone belongs at every stage of life.


There’s more to read. Why not explore our other blogs!

Technology and Digital Job Market Trends 2025

Top digital and technology job trends to watch out for in 2025

The technology and digital industries are constantly evolving, reshaping the roles businesses create and redefining the skills they seek. Here’s a look at what we believe the technology and digital job market trends for 2025 will be.

Image of female looking at the future of technology

1. AI and machine learning specialists: The demand just keeps on growing.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are not just buzzwords anymore they’re becoming the backbone of countless industries. In 2025, the demand for AI and ML specialists is expected to skyrocket as companies race to integrate intelligent systems into their operations. From chatbots to predictive analytics, the applications are endless. 

2. Cybersecurity roles: A critical necessity for all businesses.

As remote work becomes the norm and cyber threats escalate, cybersecurity has never been more essential. Companies are intensifying efforts to safeguard sensitive data, driving a growing demand for cybersecurity analysts, ethical hackers, and information security managers. With the widespread use of third-party software and evolving regulatory requirements, these positions are in high demand. Strong problem-solving skills and proven experience in cybersecurity are key attributes for candidates in these roles.

3. Cloud computing: Building the digital backbone

Cloud technology has revolutionised business operations and will remain pivotal in 2025. Demand for roles such as cloud architects, cloud engineers, and DevOps professionals is set to grow, driven by emerging trends like AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS), serverless computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). With industry leaders like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure at the forefront, expertise in these platforms will be a significant advantage for organisations.

4. Green tech and sustainability careers: Tech meets the planet

Sustainability is no longer a niche – it’s a priority among many growing businesses. The technology industry is playing a massive role in developing green solutions, from renewable energy technologies to efficient data centres. The industry expects to see more jobs in areas like energy optimisation, green software engineering, and environmental data analysis.

5. Extended Reality (XR): The next frontier

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) – together known as Extended Reality (XR) – are set to revolutionise industries from gaming to healthcare. In 2025, XR developers and designers will be in high demand as companies explore immersive experiences for training, customer engagement, and entertainment.

6. Data analysts and scientists: Turning information into insights

In a world where AI is now driving useful data, those who can analyse and make sense of it will be indispensable. Data analysts and data scientists will continue to be in high demand as businesses rely on them to provide analytics that support them make data-driven decisions to stay competitive. 

7. Remote work facilitators: Supporting the virtual office

Remote and hybrid working has created a need for roles that support virtual collaboration. Think IT specialists focused on remote setups, software engineers optimising collaboration tools, and digital transformation experts helping businesses adapt to new workflows. 

8. Digital marketing: Creativity meets analytical

Digital marketing roles are evolving with the rise of AI-driven analytics and personalised content. In 2025, marketers who can bridge the gap between creative campaigns and advanced analytics tools will be highly sought after. SEO specialists, social media strategists, and content marketers will continue to thrive.

9. Technology for healthcare: Building a healthier tomorrow

From health apps to wearable health devices, technology is transforming healthcare. Careers in health tech – like bioinformatics specialists, health app developers, and AI-driven diagnostics experts – will flourish.

10. Quantum computing:  Shaping the future of technology.

Quantum computing jobs in 2025 are thriving, driven by advancements in quantum hardware, software, and applications across industries. Professionals in this field will focus on developing algorithms, optimising quantum systems, and addressing real-world challenges in cryptography, materials science, and finance. With increasing demand for expertise in quantum programming and engineering, these roles are pivotal in shaping the future of technology.

For candidates: How to stay ahead of the curve in the technology and digital landscape

With so many exciting opportunities on the horizon, how can you ensure you’re ready for the jobs of 2025? Here are a few tips:

  • Upskill Regularly: Take online courses, attend workshops, or earn certifications to stay current in your field.
  • Network Smartly: Connect with professionals in your area of interest through LinkedIn, meetups, or industry conferences.
  • Stay Curious: The tech world evolves rapidly. Explore emerging trends and technologies to identify where your passion and the market intersect.
  • Build a Portfolio: Showcase your skills through projects, whether you’re developing an app, contributing to open-source projects, or writing about your expertise.

For businesses: How to find the right candidate for your technology and digital roles ?

It’s just as tricky for businesses to keep up. Better Days Recruitment are specialist in technology and digital roles. For advice on finding the right fit for your business or support on any tricky role, we can help.

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