Sun Life U.S. has introduced a menopause benefit for its employees, aiming to address a gap in women's healthcare. This new offering, provided by Progyny, is part of Sun Life's comprehensive benefits package and comes at no cost to employees. It includes access to fertility and family-forming services.
Tammi Wortham, senior vice president of Human Resources at Sun Life U.S., stated, "It's time to normalize menopause in the workplace. Half the workforce will go through menopause at some point in their lives, and for some it can be a challenging health journey." She emphasized that this benefit is a step forward following the acceptance of mental health support and paid leave by employers.
Research from the National Institute of Health highlights that over 93% of residents felt unprepared to manage menopause due to inadequate education on the subject. Only 31% of OB/GYN residency programs include a menopause curriculum. Progyny aims to fill this gap by offering personalized support from reproductive health experts who create individualized care plans based on symptoms and medical history.
Dr. Janet Choi, chief medical officer at Progyny, remarked on the significance of recognizing menopause in the workplace: "Sun Life's commitment to supporting employees through this transition is a crucial step toward normalizing menopause."
A CVS Health study from 2024 found that 69% of benefits decision-makers acknowledge the importance of women-specific health benefits. Sun Life is dedicated to providing such benefits along with other support programs like paid family leave and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). The company promotes a flexible work culture where employees can choose between working from home or office.
Wortham added, "A flexible culture is key to supporting employees," highlighting Sun Life's efforts in fostering an environment conducive to employee well-being.
For more information about careers and benefits at Sun Life, visit their website.
Sun Life operates globally with assets under management totaling C$1.54 trillion as of December 31, 2024. The company trades on multiple stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.