Bayer and UNFPA join forces to improve workplace support for employees going through menopause

BERLIN, Germany – Bayer, a global company with core competencies in health care and nutrition, has announced its commitment to support UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, in driving awareness and consideration of women going through menopause in the workplace. 

Menopause is a natural phase for women, during which the body's hormone balance changes and monthly menstruation comes to an end. Worldwide, an estimated 47 million women enter this phase of life every year, and affects more than one in five members of the global workforce. It is imperative that companies be equipped and prepared to support female employees with empathy, understanding and flexibility.

UNFPA has identified counselling and services for women’s reproductive, menstrual and menopausal health as one of six key focus areas for businesses to advance equal rights in the workplace. Each of these focus areas has expanded into a slate of new environmental, social and corporate governance metrics that help build accountability for an organization’s sexual and reproductive health and rights policies.

Expansion of menopause initiatives and programmes in the workplace

As part of their commitment, Bayer will scale up awareness-raising activities and provide support for staff going through menopause. The company will adopt and pilot metrics related to menopausal health as outlined in UNFPA’s policy paper on Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the Private Sector, while aiming to improve its workplace policies and awareness initiatives in relation to menopause. 

The company also currently runs a ‘Bayer menopause cafe’, which is a safe space created for employees to discuss its impact on their performance at work as well as how it may affect their relationships with colleagues.

Building evidence and driving advocacy

Bayer will initiate and fund a global survey to identify the needs of menopausal employees in the workplace, and support UNFPA in building evidence on why companies must invest in women’s health. Bayer will also support and co-host regional and global dialogues with the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business, discussing menopause in various countries in the European Union, in the United States, and at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with the objective of influencing the private sector to take action.

Ian McFarlane, Director of UNFPA’s Division for External Relations, said, “Whether paid or unpaid, formal or informal, women’s labour is a driving force behind the global economy, and their well-being is crucial to the social and financial health of society. The Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business was established by UNFPA and partners to advance women's health and well-being in the private sector and we invite companies globally to join us in this effort.”

Heike Prinz, Chief Talent Officer and Labour Director at Bayer agreed. “Gender equity in the workplace is not just a moral imperative – it’s a strategic necessity for fostering innovation and driving global economic progress. At Bayer, we are proud to be a leader in women’s health, advancing initiatives that address critical issues, including on menopause, to ensure women can thrive throughout every stage of their careers. Joining the UNFPA Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting women in the global workplace and championing the policies and practices that empower them to succeed.”

Expansion of the global partnership

UNFPA and Bayer formalized their global partnership in 2022, with a commitment to achieving good health and well-being (UN SDG3) and gender equality (UN SDG5). The partnership has led to country-level programmes in Egypt and India, with expansion underway in the Philippines. During a recent engagement at the 2024 World Health Summit, Bayer and UNFPA also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to address the unmet need for modern contraception and family planning in low- and middle-income countries.