Women's health

Steps made to increase awareness and support for endometriosis in the workplace

Safety & Health Practitioner

Employers are being urged to consider how they can improve their understanding and support for staff suffering with endometriosis.

One in ten women and those assigned female at birth suffer with the condition, which can cause debilitating pain, depression/isolation, an inability to conceive and difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments.

But, with the right endometriosis treatment, many of these issues can be addressed, and the symptoms made more manageable.

Francesca Steyn, director of fertility and women’s health services at Peppy, the digital health app, said: “As an employer, it’s useful to be in a position to support and educate employees, this needs to include having a good understanding of what employees are going through and putting yourself in a position to actively help.

“It mustn’t be underestimated how difficult it can be for employers themselves to know how to offer support, and we’ve found the assistance we can give to employers, educating them on the kind of medical support that’s available to employees with endometriosis has been hugely welcomed.”

This March was Endometriosis Awareness Month and Peppy put together five ways that employers can support employees with endometriosis.

Encourage and support

It includes flexible working, job security and fertility treatment through a clear and accessible maternity policy, a compassionate workplace, more sanitation awareness and to encourage medical attention.

Francesca said flexible working can help with doctor’s appointments, treatment or downtime if needed – and will help those with endometriosis feel less alienated as they live with a chronic condition.

Employers may have no idea how many staff could be struggling silently as someone with endometriosis may not feel comfortable disclosing their diagnosis for fear that assumptions about their productivity might be made. Francesca believes it’s important to create an open and compassionate environment, with easily accessible and in-person support facilities.

She also said employers can go to extra lengths by openly offering sanitary products in bathrooms and display posters and information on the back of toilet doors to instill in employees’ minds that the company is supportive and aware.

Finally, she added that it is important for employers to be aware of the professional medical help available and to offer the most appropriate support to their staff, as well as encouraging them to utilise it.

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