Menopause affects ¼ of Canada's workforce1
TORONTO, June 6, 2023
/CNW/ - Gaps in women's healthcare remain a major issue. Lack of
awareness and stigma around women's reproductive health are just
two examples of the barriers women face in and out of the
workplace. In fact, three-quarters of working Canadian women aged
40 to 60 say they do not feel supported by their employer during
menopause1. To address this gap, Sun Life has partnered
with the Menopause Foundation of Canada (MFC) to raise awareness of women's
health and identify ways to better support women in the workplace.
The partnership includes the development of resources for employers
and a landmark report on menopause in the Canadian workplace
expected out in late 2023.
"I envision a future where everyone can reach their full
potential and thrive in the workplace. Our partnership with the
Menopause Foundation of Canada
(MFC) will help us focus on the specific health needs of women in
the workplace," said Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President,
Group Benefits, Sun Life. "Together with the MFC, we can make a
meaningful difference to ensure women have access to resources and
care within their workplace to support them through their health
journey."
It is estimated that 1 in 10 women leave the workforce due to
menopause symptoms2. Menopause occurs at a time when
many women are at the height of their career, including those in
prominent leadership roles. This makes it even more imperative for
employers to support women during this critical career stage.
"Menopause affects 25% of Canada's workforce1 and presents an
exciting opportunity for employers to support women in the prime of
their careers," said Janet Ko,
President and Co-Founder, The Menopause Foundation of Canada. "Menopause may be the missing link to
explain why more women aren't breaking through the glass ceiling.
Ending the silence and stigma can help people flourish through
menopause and can foster an age and gender-inclusive
workplace."
In a recent Sun Life survey, group benefits appear to be a key
factor for Canadians when considering employment choices. Yet, 33%
of women say their group benefits plans do not provide enough
coverage to meet their needs1. Employers who support
women's health will not only see their employees thrive, but their
business thrive. They are better able to attract and retain talent
and maximize the potential of women in their workforce. Sun Life's
new Bright Paper report highlights important opportunities
employers have to better support women in their workplaces.
As part of Sun Life's sustainability ambition, we aim to
positively impact health and wellness outcomes for all. Learn more
about the tools and products available to support employees health
within group benefits plans.
About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services
organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and
health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life
has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including
Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines,
Japan, Indonesia, India, China,
Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March
31, 2023, Sun Life had total assets under management of
$1.36 trillion. For more information,
please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New
York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the
ticker symbol SLF.
About the Menopause Foundation of Canada
The Menopause Foundation of Canada (MFC) is a national non-profit advocacy
organization created to raise awareness of the impact of menopause
on women and society. MFC's mission is to eliminate the social
stigma and taboos associated with menopause and to ensure that this
important women's health issue is fully supported by our health
care system, government, business and the broader community. Learn
more at menopausefoundationcanada.ca.
Media Relations Contact:
Megan Hawkins
Manager, Corporate Communications
megan.hawkins@sunlife.com
647-524-8536
Menopause Foundation of Canada
Contact:
media@menopausefoundationcanada.ca
1Sun Life
Canada. Working Together to Support Women's Health, Bright Paper,
2023
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2https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1754967/one-10-women-quit-job-menopause-symptoms-survey-reveals
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SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.