Dutch labour policy promotes longer working lives and sustainable employability. At the same time, national data from CBS and TNO show that women aged 40–60 report higher sickness absence and reduced work ability during hormonal transition phases, including menopause. Because menopause is not recorded as a separate category in workforce systems, its measurable impact on participation and work capacity remains structurally underrepresented in HR data.

Research from CBS and TNO indicates that menopause-related symptoms in women aged 40–60 are associated not only with higher sick leave, but also with reduced work capacity and productivity. The economic impact extends beyond absenteeism to presenteeism and performance loss.

National data from Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek and occupational health research conducted with Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek indicate that women aged 40–60 report higher sickness absence and lower work ability than men. Menopause-related symptoms are associated with fatigue, reduced capacity, and emotional exhaustion, yet are often recorded under general categories such as stress or illness. As a result, the workplace impact is measurable but partially invisible in administrative systems.