“Women are suffering in silence and stigma because their organizations don’t have policies and structures in place so they can be supported. They’re suffering in silence for fear of losing their jobs,” said April Haberman, CEO and founder of Midovia.

Haberman offered some suggestions on policy changes, such as allowing women more flexibility to work from home when menopause symptoms are flaring, providing more breathable work uniforms, and offering peer support groups. She added companies that have implemented these changes have seen a higher rate of retention in mid-career women.

The Women’s Commission will submit a report to the governor’s office by the end of April next year on how to enact new guidelines and best practices.