Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#89)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Provide employment supports and benefits for the workforce who experience menopause. Create a public awareness campaign to support improved understanding of menopause including workplace guidance for employers and employees.
Justification
The symptoms of menopause can result in missed work and daily disturbances for the female population of the workforce. Public awareness campaigns, improved guidance, and workplace benefits can better support an aging New York workforce.
Full Proposal
A significant portion of the female workforce experience physical symptoms from menopause that result in missed work and disturbances in their daily lives. Tackle the challenges of menopause for workers by providing a range of employment supports and benefits:
- Implement a menopause-leave allocation of five days per year available to older workers.
- Develop workplace guidance for employers and employees for understanding, effectively, and compassionately managing menopause challenges in the workplace.
- Create a public awareness campaign normalizing menopause and its potential impact on workers.
This proposal is focused on primary prevention.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the legislative session, as this proposal may require legislative action to require specified time for workers to use menopause related benefits and leave. If successfully implemented, next steps could include affected agencies engaging with stakeholders and developing guidance and regulations.