Women in health and education achieve work-life balance.

Midlife Balance: How Work Impacts Quality of Life for Women in Health & Education

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the unique challenges and opportunities for perimenopausal women in demanding careers."

Quality of life is a key part of overall well-being, especially as we consider the complex factors that influence it: our mental state, independence, relationships, environment, and physical health all play a role.

For women experiencing perimenopause, this becomes especially relevant. As they navigate hormonal changes, the impact of their work environment on their quality of life is a critical aspect that warrants attention.

A recent study examined the connection between job conditions and quality of life among women in health and education. It sheds light on specific challenges and potential opportunities for improving well-being during this life stage.

What the Research Reveals: Work-Life Quality in Midlife Women

Women in health and education achieve work-life balance.

Researchers conducted a study involving 203 women experiencing perimenopause, working in either the health or education sectors. The goal was to understand how their work environment affected their health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

The study revealed significant differences in quality of life based on work conditions and sector. Women in education generally reported a higher quality of life than those in health. Let’s break down the key findings:

Education vs. Health: Women in education reported a better overall quality of life (p=0.004).
Work Satisfaction Matters: Nurses who expressed greater satisfaction with their work showed higher quality of life scores (p=0.003). The same was true for teachers (p=0.002).
The Drawbacks: Those in the study that considered their work boring had lower quality of life scores (p=0.008).
Stress and Noise: Increased stress (p=0.030) and exposure to noise (p=0.012) at work were linked to reduced quality of life.
Temperature: A comfortable temperature at the workplace correlated with an increase in perceived quality of life (p=0.019).

In the health sector, exposure to biological (61.6%) and chemical (54.7%) contaminants, vibrations (31.4%), and radiation (25.6%) were significant concerns.

What This Means for You: Taking Action for Better Well-being

This research highlights the critical role that work plays in the quality of life for women experiencing perimenopause. Recognizing these connections is the first step toward positive change.

If you're a woman in health or education, consider these strategies: Advocate for a healthier work environment, focusing on stress reduction, noise levels, and contaminant exposure. Prioritize open communication with employers and colleagues to address concerns and find solutions.

By understanding the unique challenges and taking proactive steps, women can create a better work-life balance during this important life transition. Healthcare providers and occupational health services can use these findings to develop targeted programs that address the specific needs of women in these professions.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0104-11692011000600006, Alternate LINK

Title: Quality Of Life In Perimenopausal Women Working In The Health And Educational System

Subject: General Nursing

Journal: Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Josefa Márquez Membrive, José Granero-Molina, Ma José Solvas Salmerón, Cayetano Fernández-Sola, Carmen Ma Rodríguez López, Tesifón Parrón Carreño

Published: 2011-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What was the primary focus of the study on midlife balance for women in health and education?

The study focused on women in the health and education sectors, specifically those experiencing perimenopause. It aimed to understand how their work environment impacts their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The research involved 203 women and examined factors such as work satisfaction, exposure to stressors like noise and contaminants, and overall job conditions.

What were the key findings regarding the impact of work conditions on quality of life for women in health and education?

The study found that women in education generally reported a higher overall quality of life than those in the health sector. Work satisfaction was a significant factor, with nurses and teachers who were more satisfied with their jobs reporting higher quality of life scores. Conversely, those who found their work boring experienced lower quality of life. Additionally, increased stress and exposure to noise at work were linked to reduced quality of life, while a comfortable temperature correlated with improved quality of life.

What specific environmental concerns were identified in the health sector, and how might these impact quality of life?

For women in the health sector, the study highlighted significant concerns regarding exposure to biological and chemical contaminants, vibrations, and radiation. These environmental factors in the workplace were associated with reduced quality of life. While the study didn't deeply explore specific interventions, this awareness is crucial for implementing targeted strategies to minimize exposure and improve working conditions, like enhanced ventilation and safety protocols.

Did job satisfaction play a role in the quality of life reported by women in the study?

Yes, job satisfaction was a key factor. The study showed that nurses and teachers who expressed greater satisfaction with their work reported higher quality of life scores. This suggests that interventions aimed at increasing job satisfaction, such as providing more autonomy, recognizing achievements, and fostering a supportive work environment, could positively impact the well-being of women in these professions. Furthermore, addressing issues that lead to boredom in the workplace is also essential.

Based on the research, what practical steps can be taken to improve the work-related quality of life for women experiencing perimenopause in health and education?

The research suggests that creating a comfortable and safe work environment, reducing stress and noise, and minimizing exposure to harmful substances are crucial. For instance, improving ventilation to reduce chemical contaminants, implementing noise reduction measures, and ensuring comfortable temperatures can significantly improve well-being. Moreover, initiatives that boost job satisfaction, such as professional development opportunities and recognition programs, can also play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for women in these demanding careers.