Menopausal, perimenopausal women to get new workplace support in WA executive order
.png "Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks at a June 1, 2026 news conference about an executive order concerning supporting menopausal and perimenopausal women in the workplace.")
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced a new executive order Monday aimed at supporting women experiencing menopause and perimenopause in the workplace.
Ferguson was joined by Brittany Gregory, executive director of the Washington State Women’s Commission, as well as medical professionals, policy leaders and labor representatives.
The governor said support for women experiencing menopause is an issue of equity and fairness. Even though state law protects people against workplace discrimination, he said, “we should not be relying on a patchwork of employer accommodations” to plan for something that affects roughly 50% of the population.
“We must do more to support women and to support employers who want to keep their experienced staff in the workforce,” Ferguson said at the June 1 news conference at Armoire, a Seattle-based women’s clothing rental membership.
The executive order aims to bolster the state economy and support women and their families by creating standards for menopause workplace accommodations, Gregory noted at the news conference.
Ferguson said he’s directing the state’s women’s commission to work with cabinet agencies to update or adopt policies to support menopausal workers, and to identify best practices. The commission will also be tasked with devising training materials focused on accommodations.
In addition, the commission will make sure cabinet agencies, employees and management are trained on their responsibilities and rights, he said. The commission will work with health-focused agencies on coming up with resources and guidance for other private and public employers statewide, and alongside medical boards and the state Department of Health to offer “training credits on menopause education for healthcare providers.”
Menopause signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years and occurs on average when she is 52, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Perimenopause hits before menopause and can extend for years, according to the clinic. Estrogen levels start to drop during this time, and women may endure irregular periods, hot flashes or other menopause-like symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic has put a price tag on estimated productivity losses because of symptoms of menopause: about $1.8 billion nationwide, according to a news release from Ferguson’s office.
Due to menopausal symptoms, 40% of women have either considered exiting or have left the workforce, the release says. A quarter “considered not pursuing or did not pursue a leadership opportunity as a result,” per the Society for Women’s Health Research.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
.jpg)