Menopause At Work: BP’s Bold Move – An Overlooked Green Opportunity
When BP’s CEO, Murray Auchincloss announced on 26 February 2025 they were scaling back their renewable agenda, it sent ripples through the business world and was widely reported as a sustainability set back..
The reason? He said 'they went green too quick and too soon.' But here’s what’s missing from the conversation: sustainability isn’t just about energy and pressing near term shareholder expectations, it’s about long-term leadership and decision-making.
To be fair, BP has a 50/50 gender split executive board.
But it's investors, especially it's institutional investors without doubt will have a skewed gender profile as women investors still are a minority.
And that’s where women come into their own, especially menopausal working women.
Women tend to prioritize sustainability, long-term planning, and holistic ESG goals, creating businesses that thrive over decades, not just quarters.
Women Investors Think Longer Term – The Data Proves It
🔹Research shows that women investors are twice as likely to prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains.
🔹 Companies with more women in leadership make better, more sustainable investment decisions
🔹 Yet, 1.1 billion working women are in menopause, and too many are being pushed out just when their expertise is needed most.
It is not just a personal challenge; it’s a business crisis.
When experienced women leaders leave due to a lack of menopause support, companies lose institutional knowledge, leadership capability, talent pipelines and investment foresight.
A groundbreaking research paper by our parent company Lightbulb Leadership Solutions, titled What Would the World Look Like if More Women Controlled the Money?, further underscores this. The report highlights that women investors are more heavily weighted towards ESG-aligned investments than their male counterparts. Companies serious about long-term sustainability must recognize that retaining and supporting women through menopause is critical to securing future-focused, responsible investment strategies.
Menopause at Work – The ESG Blind Spot
Sustainability isn’t just about carbon footprints. It’s about keeping skilled leaders in the room.
🚫 Retention isn’t just good for business—it’s essential for sustainability.
🚫 A thriving, experienced workforce fuels long-term economic growth (World Economic Forum).
🚫 Inclusive ESG strategies must support menopause at work to prevent leadership attrition.
Yet, most ESG frameworks fail to consider menopause, despite its impact on workforce retention, health equity, and business continuity. Companies that overlook menopause risk weakening their long-term resilience. The Lightbulb Leadership Solutions research indicates that the lack of menopause-focused policies is a direct contributor to the loss of seasoned female leaders in ESG-aligned industries.
Forward-thinking companies are already integrating menopause into their sustainability strategies
Those that don’t? They risk losing top-tier talent and leadership influence.
Consider these business impacts:
✔️ A Bloomberg report estimates menopause-related productivity loss costs the global economy billions annually.
✔️ Deloitte reports that companies providing menopause support experience higher retention and engagement among senior women leaders.
✔️ An inclusive workplace culture directly influences long-term corporate sustainability, creating stronger, more resilient organizations.
Companies serious about diversity, equity, and sustainability need a menopause action plan and one that ensures women can continue leading without limits.
Backed by Research: The Business Case for Menopause-Inclusive ESG
Supporting menopause in the workplace isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s backed by compelling data:
• Workplace Impact: 65% of women report that menopausal symptoms negatively affect their work performance, and 18% have taken sick leave as a result. (Source:NLM)
• Employer Support: Menopause symptoms significantly impact work outcomes, emphasising the need for workplace support. (Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings)
• Economic Costs: U.S. businesses face an estimated $26 billion in annual productivity losses due to menopause-related challenges. (Source:The Menopause Society)
Green Jobs Are Booming And Why It's Central To Menopause At Work
Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a business imperative. Green jobs are booming, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies are at the top.
Recent job trends reports from leading recruiters confirm a significant shift: sustainability roles are on the rise, and companies are doubling down on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments.
Why?
• Sustainability roles are booming. Organisations across industries are ramping up their green initiatives.
• ESG leaders are in demand. Companies recognise the need for strategic ESG leadership to meet investor and regulatory expectations.
• Long-term impact is the goal. Businesses are prioritising sustainability as a core part of their future strategy.
Menopause Keynote Speaker & Menopause Coaching – Your ESG Edge
At The Menopause Maze we help businesses future-proof their workforce by embedding menopause into their ESG frameworks.
✔️ Menopause keynote speaker sessions to educate and inspire action.
✔️ Menopause career coaching programs to retain and support top female talent.
✔️ ESG-aligned menopause strategies to drive long-term business sustainability.
Companies that fail to adapt will fall behind. Those that lead on menopause and sustainability will gain the competitive advantage, retaining the most experienced, future-focused talent.
The Hidden Workforce at the Heart of ESG
Sustainability efforts focus on protecting the environment, ethical governance, and social responsibility. Yet, one of the most crucial social and economic factors for businesses is being overlooked—menopause.
Right now, 1.1 billion working women are in menopause, and too many are being pushed out of the workforce just when their expertise matters most. While companies invest heavily in sustainability initiatives, failing to support women through menopause is a glaring gap in their ESG strategies.
Fiona McKay, CEO at The Menopause Maze says: "It's simple you can't build a greener world without women including the 1.1 billion working menopausal women!"
If your company is serious about sustainability, menopause at work must be part of the strategy.
But here’s what many companies are missing: Building a greener world requires menopausal women.
🌿 Go green.
🌍 Get great results.
About The Menopause Maze & Fiona McKay
Fiona McKay is the world’s premier menopause coach for C-suite women execs and entrepreneurs. As the CEO of The Menopause Maze, she helps organisations integrate menopause into ESG and workplace strategies, ensuring they retain top talent and meet their sustainability goals.
Want to future-proof your workforce and integrate menopause into your ESG strategy?