More women are speaking up about menopause challenges at work – and Rhode Island has become the first state to make menopause accommodation a legal requirement.
The Ocean State’s latest workplace law took effect on June 24, 2025, requiring employers to adjust policies and training to support employees and applicants experiencing menopause.
For HR leaders – especially at smaller businesses with fewer resources – staying on top of changing workplace rules can be tough, so they often seek expert advice. Gregory Tumolo, a shareholder at Littler Mendelson, specializes in labor and employment law and helps employers interpret and implement new legislation.
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Gov. Daniel McKee signed HB 6161, mandating that Rhode Island employers provide reasonable menopause accommodations to applicants and employees unless doing so causes undue hardship.
The new legislation amends the state’s Fair Employment Practices Act to explicitly include menopause and related medical conditions, such as vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as grounds for accommodation.
Under the law, employers may not:
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