Everywoman Day 2023, on September 22nd, highlights common yet poorly understood women’s health conditions that are painful and life-limiting. It aims to not just raise awareness but to raise hope, too.
Women face various health challenges in the workplace that significantly impact their daily experience and wellbeing. Menstrual health issues, including pain and hormonal fluctuations, can affect concentration, energy levels, and productivity. Studies show for every 1 in 10, menstrual pain is so intense it interferes with their daily lives.
Women’s health conditions have a huge impact on the careers of many talented employees and are often invalidated or underappreciated in workplace environments. Women can find it difficult to raise or discuss issues around menstruation, fertility, or the menopause because of fear and embarrassment. Line managers – especially those who are male – may avoid broaching the subjects through similar embarrassment, or because they feel ill-equipped for the conversation. A Dutch study involving more than 32,000 women found that around one in seven are forced to take time off work because of menstrual pain. The study also found that menstrual pain led to presenteeism in eight out of 10 women. When workers are not well-supported after an absence, they may have lower levels of engagement with their work, particularly women who are more likely to take several months off during maternity leave.
Supporting Women’s Health in the Workplace
Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible work arrangements, especially concerning women’s health, provide a customised approach to work that acknowledges the unique challenges women face due to their health conditions. These arrangements help in balancing job demands with the management of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Research indicates that 62% of women feel their health conditions or disabilities impact their workplace experience.
For women dealing with menstrual health issues like endometriosis or severe menstrual cramps, flexible work arrangements can provide relief during challenging days. Adjusting work hours or working remotely can help mitigate pain and discomfort, allowing them to maintain productivity while managing their health.
Similarly, for women with chronic health conditions such as autoimmune disorders or chronic pain, the unpredictability of symptoms can affect regular work attendance. Flexible work arrangements enable these women to modify schedules for doctor visits, treatments, and recovery periods, ensuring their health needs are prioritised without compromising their care.
Accommodating Pregnancy and Parental Needs
Supporting women’s health in the workplace, including accommodating pregnancy and parental needs, is crucial for promoting gender equality, family-friendly policies, and overall employee wellbeing. This approach acknowledges that women balance professional responsibilities with transformative experiences such as pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood.
Implementing policies and practices that support pregnant employees and new parents helps create an inclusive environment that recognises the diverse life stages of the workforce. Adequate maternity leave not only supports the health and recovery of new mothers post-childbirth but also fosters bonding between parents and their new-borns.
Health and Wellness Programmes
Implementing comprehensive health and wellness programmes in the workplace demonstrates a commitment to employees’ holistic wellbeing, acknowledging that health encompasses more than just physical fitness. These programmes extend beyond traditional healthcare benefits, emphasising preventative measures, mental health support, and promoting balanced lifestyles.
Physical health initiatives are a key component of these programmes. Offering fitness classes, gym memberships, or wellness challenges encourages regular physical activity among employees. This promotes cardiovascular health, helps with weight management, and enhances overall vitality.
Flexible Leave Policies
Establishing flexible leave policies in the workplace reflects a progressive approach to recognising employees’ diverse needs and responsibilities. These policies include options such as menstrual leave, allowing women to manage severe cramps, heavy bleeding, or other discomforts that may affect their ability to work effectively.
EveryWoman Day 2023 highlights these challenges and promotes an environment that prioritises women’s wellbeing while reducing stigma related to women’s health in the workplace.
How Can Wellity Support You?
This EveryWoman Day 2023 delve into our sessions!
From periods to menopause, millions of women across the world say their work life is affected by female health related issues. Our session ‘Waking Up to Women’s Health: The Story of ‘Sara‘ will raise awareness of some of the specific issues affecting the modern woman, following the story of ‘Sara’, and the health issues faced across her career, including fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, PCOS, and menopause. Using real-life examples, attendees will discover the reality of women at work, and how to actively support the many health challenges faced across their life.
Objectives:
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- Understand the gender-specific health issues and challenges faced by women.
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- Raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention in women’s health.
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- Encourage proactive adjustments in the workplace to support women.
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- Advocate for increased awareness of the challenges faced by women.
To find out more about this session or others we offer surrounding EveryWoman Day 2023 at hello@wellityglobal.com.