What’s Coming Up / Australia & NZ
Women in their 40s are leaving the workforce
What’s happening
Twelve-month averages of ABS data show workforce participation among women aged 40 to 49 fell from a record 85.5% in November 2025 to 84.5% in September 2026, while men's held at 90.9%. Caring for children and aging parents, and menopause, are the leading explanations, though a one-point change may be partly noise.
What to do
Review caregiver and menopause support, flexibility and part-time options to keep experienced mid-career women.
How Workbliss can help
Workbliss menopause awareness sessions and manager training help women stay and thrive at work.
Plan support for your teamsSource
abs.gov.au. Checked October 19, 2026.