Many women and people assigned female at birth face health challenges which are often stigmatised or go unconsidered in working environments. CIPD researchfound that two-thirds (67%) of employers said there is no support available for challenges around menstruation and menstrual health which can have a huge impact on working life.
Women’s health issues significantly impact the UK economy through increased absenteeism, and reduced productivity and employee wellbeing. Nearly two thirds of people felt that a key thing employers could do is normalise conversations around menstruation. Conditions such as endometriosis affect 1 in 10 women and females assigned at birth and remain under-discussed in many professional settings.
The hidden costs of women’s health
- Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2 billion a year in loss of work and healthcare.
- 40% of employees with endometriosis worry about losing their job.
- Over a fifth (22%) said that the impact of women’s health meant they stopped work earlier than they had planned.
- One in ten women who worked during the menopause have left a job due to their symptoms.
- Around a quarter of women in the workforce are of menopausal age, but its impact is often not well understood or supported in workplace policies and training.
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Find out moreHow can businesses prioritise women’s health?
From menstrual disorders to fertility issues to menopause, women’s health has a huge impact on physical and mental health. For example, we know that 8 in 10 women in employment experience symptoms of menopause. Yet, there is limited workplace knowledge or support for symptoms – including hot flushes, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, joint aches and anxiety – that have a direct impact on productivity and work performance.
Women’s Health found that 57% of those who struggle with a hormonal or gynaecological condition believe it has harmed their career. There are actions that businesses can take that help reduce stigma and increase awareness surrounding women’s health.
Regardless of whether women choose to call in sick under another pretence or continue to work through the pain, the end result is likely to be the same: they won’t get the support they need – whether that’s from a clinician or their employer.
Vicky Walker,
Group Director of People
Fostering awareness and reducing the stigma around women’s health
Three-quarters of women say they have lied when taking a sick day due to a period for fear of being judged by their boss. Employers should make it a point to continuously educate and train line managers and HR in female health.
Developing inclusive initiatives and policies that support employees with chronic health conditions
Effective policies should be reviewed and put in place that prioritise women’s health. Managers should be aware of any policies they have in place that support women’s unique health needs to be able to understand and give support to employees.
Practical accommodations to improve employee retention, productivity and work-life balance
Women who have greater flexibility with their working hours are more likely to feel empowered to manage their pain without the fear of compromising their careers.