Governor signs EO on menopause in the workplace

The order directs agencies to work with the state’s Women’s Commission to develop policies and training to support workers experiencing menopause and perimenopause symptoms

OLYMPIA, WA (June 2, 2026) — Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order on Monday intended to support workers experiencing menopause and perimenopause symptoms, creating policies and guidance for accommodating workplace needs.

Menopause and perimenopause are natural phases in life, typically starting in one’s late 30s or early 40s. But symptoms–including brain fog, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue–can significantly and negatively impact workers’ lives. And while a natural stage in the lives of about half the population, there remains significant stigma around women’s reproductive health, limiting action to support workers struggling with these symptoms. Many Washington workers are impacted; the Governor’s office estimates 38% of working women in Washington are between the ages of 40 and 59.

WSLC Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter speaks during a press conference on the executive order on Monday. Photo: Office of the Governor

The order empowers the state’s Women’s Commission to work with executive and small cabinet agencies to review existing reasonable accommodation policies and develop training for staff and managers in line with the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD),  which prohibits discrimination in employment and requires reasonable accommodation for covered medical conditions. The order also directs the Women’s Commission to work with the Department of Health and the Health Care Authority to draft guidance and training resources on menopause and perimenopause accommodations for state agencies and other public and private employers.

In a news release, the Governor’s office indicated some of these recommended accommodations could include common adaptations, like telework options, flexible dress codes and access to cold water and temperature control.

“We are losing women in the workforce with tremendous knowledge and experience because we are not doing enough to prepare for a natural stage of life,” Governor Ferguson said in a statement. “As governor, my administration will be a place where the best, most experienced workers can come serve the people of Washington, and know that they will be supported. We must do more to support women, and to support employers who want to keep their experienced staff in the workforce. This Executive Order ensures Washington will remain a leader in supporting our workers.”

Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO joined Governor Ferguson for a press conference announcing the executive order.

“For unions, this issue is about dignity, retention, and worker power,” said Carter. “We should not be losing skilled, experienced workers from our workplaces because we failed to create environments where they can thrive. At a time when employers are working to recruit and retain experienced employees, supporting workers through menopause is simply smart workforce policy.”

“We also know that workplace challenges do not affect everyone equally,” Carter continued. “Women workers—particularly Black women, women of color, and workers in physically demanding jobs—often face additional barriers throughout their careers. Addressing menopause in the workplace is part of our broader commitment to equity and ensuring that all workers have the opportunity to advance, lead, and retire with dignity. “