Sun Life U.S. adds menopause benefit to growing portfolio of health programs for its employees

Rhea-AI Summary

Sun Life U.S. has announced the addition of menopause benefits to its employee health programs, provided through Progyny at no cost to employees. The new benefit addresses a significant healthcare gap, as 73% of women don't seek proper treatment for menopause symptoms, which can last 2-8 years.

The program offers personalized support from reproductive health experts, including health coaching and guidance for nutrition, weight management, sleep issues, and mental health. This initiative comes as research shows that over 93% of medical residents feel inadequately prepared to manage menopause, and only 31% of OB/GYN residency programs report having a menopause curriculum.

The benefit complements Sun Life's existing comprehensive benefits package, which includes Progyny's fertility services, paid family and medical leave, sabbaticals, and flexible hybrid work arrangements.

Positive

• Expansion of employee benefits portfolio at no additional cost to workers
• Strategic positioning in women's healthcare benefits sector
• Enhancement of workplace wellness programs supporting employee retention

Negative

• None.

WELLESLEY, Mass., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. is now offering menopause benefits to its employees, recognizing the opportunity to cover an ongoing gap in women's healthcare and provide the specialized support women often need during this time. According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause symptoms can last anywhere from two to eight years, yet 73% of women don't seek proper treatment to manage them. Sun Life's new benefit, provided by Progyny, is available to employees at no cost, part of the company's comprehensive suite of benefits and employee programs. Sun Life employees also have access to Progyny's suite of fertility and family forming services.

"It's time to normalize menopause in the workplace," said Tammi Wortham, senior vice president, Human Resources, Sun Life U.S. "Half the workforce will go through menopause at some point in their lives, and for some it can be a challenging health journey. Other benefits like mental health support and paid leave have become more embraced by employers in the last several years, and menopause benefits are the next step. Progyny's unique program will help employees manage the very specific – and sometimes distressing – symptoms that can come with menopause. This means our employees will experience better health and wellness, while staying present and productive at work."

According to research conducted by the National Institute of Health, more than 93% of residents in training said they did not feel adequately educated to manage menopause. An NIH survey of OB/GYN residency program directors showed only 31% reported having a menopause curriculum. Addressing this gap in women's healthcare, Progyny offers personalized, one-on-one support from reproductive health experts, providing an individualized care plan based on the person's symptoms, medical history and goals. Employees receive health coaching and guidance from licensed health professionals for things like nutrition and weight management, sleep issues, and mental health. They also have access to a range of digital educational tools and resources.

"Menopause is a significant life stage that has long been overlooked in the workplace, despite its impact on physical health, mental well-being, and professional success," said Dr. Janet Choi, chief medical officer, Progyny. "Sun Life's commitment to supporting employees through this transition is a crucial step toward normalizing menopause and ensuring those experiencing symptoms have access to meaningful care. By providing personalized, clinically guided support, together we can help employees feel empowered and healthier, both at work and in life."

In a 2024 study by CVS Health, 69% of benefits decision makers recognized the importance of providing health benefits that specifically support women. As one of the largest employee benefits providers in the country, Sun Life is committed to offering its employees benefits and support programs that address the issues most important to them, including generous paid family and medical leave, sabbaticals and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Employees who live in the areas of Sun Life offices work in a flexible hybrid setting, deciding for themselves when to work from the office and when to work from home. Sun Life consistently receives top workplace awards in the regions of its office locations, as well as nationally.

"A flexible culture is key to supporting employees, on top of whatever benefits you provide," added Wortham. "We take pride in the culture we have built, which supports our colleagues' ability to care for themselves, whether they are using our menopause benefits, mental health programs, paid leave to care for a family member, or recovering from an illness or injury."

Interested in learning more about careers and benefits at Sun Life? Visit https://www.sunlife.com/us/en/about/careers/

About Sun Life 
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.54 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media contact

Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com
781-800-3609

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates   
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-life-us-adds-menopause-benefit-to-growing-portfolio-of-health-programs-for-its-employees-302392016.html

SOURCE Sun Life U.S.

FAQ

What menopause benefits is Sun Life (SLF) offering to employees in 2025?

Sun Life is offering free access to Progyny's menopause program, including personalized care plans, one-on-one support from reproductive health experts, health coaching, and digital resources.

How long do menopause symptoms typically last according to Sun Life's (SLF) announcement?

According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause symptoms can last anywhere from two to eight years.

What percentage of women don't seek treatment for menopause according to Sun Life's (SLF) data?

73% of women don't seek proper treatment to manage menopause symptoms.

What additional employee benefits does Sun Life (SLF) offer alongside the new menopause program?

Sun Life offers Progyny's fertility services, paid family and medical leave, sabbaticals, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and flexible hybrid work arrangements.