Gender-based health provision set for expansion in 2020
Women’s health: Striving for equity in the new normal will be discussed at REBA's Employee Wellbeing Congress by Alaana Woods, commercial director, Bupa Health Services, on 23 September at 10:40. Register here to attend this year's Congress.
The Employee Wellbeing Research 2020 report, published by REBA in association with AXA PPP healthcare, highlighted that 45% of employers plan to introduce women’s wellbeing services in 2020 or later. Currently, just under half (42%) of businesses include women’s health as part of their overall wellbeing strategy.
Women’s wellbeing can include focusing on a range of health issues such as periods, the menopause, fertility or dealing with miscarriage.
The survey of 309 wellbeing, HR and employee benefits specialists, showed that menopause support was the most common focus for women’s health, with 59% of organisations saying they are introducing provisions either this year or at some point in the future. By contrast, 28% of employers plan to address menstrual support in 2020 or at a later date.
Employers are waking up to the challenges female colleagues are facing when it comes to the menopause, the report said, and the fact that there is a business case for offering help. Symptoms can lead to lower productivity or cause women to leave their jobs, resulting in a loss of talent and experience, and increased hiring costs for organisations.
Workplace training to raise awareness of the menopause experience, adjusting sickness absence polices and making some simple changes to the physical environment (such as providing clean, comfortable toilet facilities) are some of the measures that can make a positive difference, the research report explained.
“Progressive employers are now more willing to tackle taboo subjects and create open cultures that promote inclusivity and enhance wellbeing,” it added.
Meanwhile, support for carers, many of whom will be women, is also on business’ radar.
A total of 52% of organisations have indicated they plan to introduce better support for carers either in 2020 or in the future.
Download a copy of the 92-page Employee Wellbeing Research 2020 (free to REBA Professional Members).
The author is Rima Evans, freelance writer for REBA.
