What does it actually look like to support women through menopause at work, and who is responsible for making that happen?
In this episode, I sit down with April Haberman, CEO and co-founder of MiDOViA, a workplace menopause support organization working with employers across the United States and drawing on best practices developed in the UK and Australia over the past decade. April was in the room when Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order directing state agencies to develop menopause workplace accommodations, and she gives us a clear-eyed breakdown of what that order actually requires, who it covers, and why the for-profit sector should be paying close attention.
We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from the practical (what do workplace accommodations look like in a road construction crew versus a corporate headquarters?) to the systemic (why are women visiting seven or more doctors before getting care that should be straightforward?). We also talk about the barriers that keep women from speaking up at work, the role of pharmacists like me in closing the access-to-care gap, and why April believes broad organizational training is more important than any single policy change.
If you have ever minimized your symptoms at work, wondered whether your employer is legally required to support you, or felt like the healthcare system is making menopause harder than it has to be, this one is for you.
In This Episode:
- What MiDOViA does and why April and her co-founder Kim Hart saw an unmet need in the workplace four years ago
- A breakdown of Washington State's executive order on menopause workplace accommodations: what it mandates, who it applies to, and what comes next
- Why accommodations look different across industries, from office environments to construction sites to research labs
- The connection between access to care, workplace support, and women's long-term financial stability
- Why pharmacists are positioned to bridge the menopause care gap and what billing barriers stand in the way
- The role of symptom-tracking apps and wearable data in helping women advocate for themselves at medical appointments
- Practical steps women can take right now to plant seeds for menopause support within their own organizations
- What is happening legislatively across the country, including Philadelphia, Illinois, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, and California
About April Haberman:
April Haberman is the CEO and co-founder of MiDOViA, a menopause-in-the-workplace organization partnered with accredited menopause-friendly workplace programs in the UK and Australia. With a background in PR, marketing, nonprofit health education, and sexual and reproductive health, April brings a uniquely cross-sector perspective to organizational culture change. MiDOViA has worked with more than 600 menopause-friendly member organizations and nearly 200 accredited employers. Learn more at midovia.com.
Resources Mentioned:
- MiDOViA: midovia.com
- Washington State Women's Commission
- Washington State Governor Ferguson's Executive Order on Menopause Workplace Accommodations
- Natural Cycles app (perimenopause tracking feature)
- Oura Ring (wearable health tracking)
- The Balance docuseries
Let's Keep the Conversation Going
If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.
Join theWomen Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.
Get your FREE guides HERE:www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguides
Share your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us@misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!
Find more information on our website:www.womenmasteringmidlife.com
Book a FREE1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.
menopause in the workplace, perimenopause workplace accommodations, Washington state executive order menopause, menopause policy employers, MiDOViA April Haberman, menopause friendly workplace, women's health at work, midlife women workforce, menopause legislation United States, pharmacist menopause care, perimenopause symptoms at work, women mastering midlife podcast
Disclaimer
This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.
Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.
