Half your workforce are underperforming: Why Midcareer women are surviving, not thriving.

As a 40+ year-old (technically midlife—agh!) female business owner leading a team of more than 20, I’m deeply in tune with the challenges faced by high-achieving women in their mid-30s and beyond. And the truth is, many of us are not thriving.

It’s not just anecdotal.CEOs, with an average age of 50+, are grappling with anxiety, sleep problems, and mental health issues.In 2023 alone, at least 19 CEOs died on the job. These statistics highlight how leadership roles often exacerbate the toll ofmidlife malaise—a phenomenon that sits at the intersection of burnout and medically-related fatigue.

For women, the factors contributing to this are overwhelming: mental load, caregiver responsibilities, and hormonal changes. Industries like healthcare (for example- in physiotherapy 70% of practitioners are female, with an average age of 38), are particularly hard hit. At any given time,far more than 50% of this workforce is operating in survival mode.

Why Hormones Matter

It’s fantastic to see increased conversations about hormones on platforms likeLinkedInand through articles like Naomi Watts’ advocacy for menopause awareness. However, the reality is many women still don’t know where to turn for advice. Symptoms such as brain fog, joint pain, and anxiety are too often dismissed or misunderstood.

Perimenopause can last up to10 years before menopause officially begins.That’s a long time to feel average while juggling the pressures of family and work. Left unaddressed, hormone imbalances don’t just impact day-to-day well-being but can lead to long-term health issues, including reduced bone density and cardiovascular risk.

The workplace consequences are real. ArecentForbesarticlehighlighted how women in menopause are often at risk of being overlooked for leadership roles due to symptoms like brain fog and fatigue. It’s time for workplaces to get proactive, not reactive, about supporting this population.

Tips to Thrive, Not Just Survive

1. Track Your Health

Start keeping asymptom diaryto identify patterns in your sleep, mood, energy, and physical well-being. Dr Louise Newson’smenopause masterclasshighlights how tracking symptoms over time can provide critical data to seek help sooner.

Yearly hormone level testing is another must. Ideally, this should begin in your mid-30s, halfway between ovulation and your next cycle.Prevention is key—don’t wait until menopause hits to take control of your hormonal health.

2. Tailored Solutions, Not Quick Fixes

There’s no “magic pill” for midlife malaise, but you can create a health strategy that works for you:

• Nutrition:Supplements can’t replace a poor diet. Prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods.

• Exercise:Incorporate weight training to support bone health and longevity.

• Medical Options:If bio-identical hormones are right for you, know thatmodern research shows their safety when personalised.

3. Advocate for Workplace Change

Apositive approach to menopause in the workplaceis essential. Collective education of leaders and organisations is a fantastic start. I’ve seen incredible shifts through workplace sessions, from lunch-and-learns to leadership workshops. Women thrive when their workplaces recognise the need for flexibility, health support, and understanding.

4. Protect Your Energy

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Strategies like setting boundaries, taking microbreaks, connecting with others, and engaging in activities that bring joy can dramatically improve how you feel. Mental health professionals can also help you navigate mood changes with support and perspective.

The Leadership Connection

“Put your own oxygen mask on first.” You can’t lead others without leading yourself. Health prioritisation isn’t selfish; it’s aleadership strategy.When women take control of their health, they show up stronger for their teams, families, and communities.

The workplace well-being trends of2025, as highlighted byUNLEASHcall for adifferent approach to health. Let’s make that approach about empowering women to thrive through midlife and beyond.