Dear readers,
When real estate agent Tien Chua, 46, began experiencing blurry vision two years ago, she thought she needed a new pair of spectacles.
But the new glasses didn't help, and she eventually discovered that the blurriness was due to dry eyes, brought on by perimenopause.
Then came the excessive perspiration, which left her feeling self-conscious around clients. These days, she carries cooling wipes, fans and sprays to property viewings to help manage her symptoms.
Her experience highlights how menopause can manifest in unexpected ways, and the challenges women face in managing these symptoms while keeping up with the demands of their jobs.
Yet despite women making up 47.7 per cent of Singapore's resident labour force in 2025, menopause remains a topic rarely discussed openly in workplaces.
And it's not just a women's issue.
From brain fog and fatigue to joint pain and sleepless nights, menopause symptoms can affect women's productivity and contributions at work.
As Singapore's workforce ages, experts warn that the consequences of overlooking menopause could extend beyond individual employees to businesses and the wider economy.
So why aren't more workplaces talking about it? And what would meaningful support actually look like?
Take a dive into this week's Big Read to find out.
Yours faithfully,
Yasmine Yahya
Deputy Chief Editor, CNA Digital (Commentaries, Features, Lifestyle & Luxury)
