Strategies to craft supportive environments for women
Women face unique health needs throughout their lives that deserve thoughtful attention.
Unfortunately, women’s health has often been overlooked in workplace settings, and we’re still working to fill those knowledge gaps.
The good news is, increasing research is shining a light on these unique needs.
On top of that, new legislation, such as the UK's Employment Rights Bill introduced in October 2024, now requires employers with 250+ employees to implement menopause action plans.
This highlights the growing importance of workplace support for women's health.
Putting women's health at the forefront can lead to big wins for businesses, including happier employees, better retention rates, and a more vibrant workplace culture.
According to McKinsey's Women in the Workplace report, organisations aiming for gender equity are increasingly recognising the importance of support initiatives, such as menopause resources and menstrual health education.
Unique health needs of women in the workplace
Women go through key biological stages - like menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause - that can significantly impact their physical and mental health at work and beyond.
Symptoms related to these stages can affect productivity, focus, and even career progression if not properly supported.
If these health needs go unaddressed, it can lead to absenteeism, decreased engagement, and higher turnover, ultimately affecting team dynamics and productivity.
That’s why it’s crucial to foster an inclusive culture where female employees feel comfortable discussing their needs without fear of stigma or discrimination.
To better support women's health, here are some practical strategies companies can begin to implement:
Establish flexible policies and benefits
- Menstrual leave or flexible hours: Allow employees to take time off or adjust their schedules during tough times, like menstrual pain or fatigue.
- Remote work opportunities: Offer flexibility during significant health events, such as pregnancy-related fatigue or menopausal symptoms. A retention trend that will only continue to rise.
Create awareness and educate managers
- Training programs: Equip managers with knowledge about women’s health challenges to provide empathetic support and grow awareness.
- Health workshops and seminars: Host sessions on topics like menstrual health, pregnancy, and menopause, partnering with healthcare providers for expert insights.
Design a safe, inclusive workplace
- Private, comfortable spaces: Create wellness rooms where employees can take breaks or manage health-related symptoms. This can be particularly useful for women in post-partum.
- Health-focused culture: Encourage open conversations about health, allowing employees to express their needs without hesitation.
- Incorporate women's health policies into company culture: Outline clear procedures for health disclosures and requests for flexibility to ensure policies are actionable.
Long-term benefits of supporting women's health in the workplace
Supporting women's health at work brings numerous long-term benefits for both employees and organisations.
One key advantage is increased employee loyalty and retention.
Women who feel supported in their health needs are more likely to stay with their employers, helping to reduce turnover costs.
In fact, studies show that 86% of employees are more likely to leave a job that doesn’t prioritise their wellbeing.
Enhancing workplace morale and culture is another important outcome.
By prioritising wellbeing, companies create a positive atmosphere characterised by openness and empathy, which encourages employees to communicate their needs.
Additionally, supporting women’s health naturally leads to improved productivity.
Research into how workplaces handle menopause indicates that when women receive adequate health support, absenteeism decreases, and team morale improves.
Finally, companies known for their inclusive health policies attract top talent and enhance their brand reputation.
A diverse and supportive workplace is appealing to potential hires, making it an attractive environment for all employees.
Integrating technology and partnerships for women's health support
As the workplace continues to evolve, embracing technology and partnerships is essential for providing well-rounded support for women’s health.
Apps and platforms focused on women’s health not only empower individuals with valuable information but also help create a culture of wellness within organisations.
By integrating apps into your workplace, companies can provide personalised support that effectively addresses women’s health needs.
Even simply offering these resources helps break down stigmas, allowing employees to leverage the tools they might need on their own time.
By investing in women's health, companies gain a more resilient, productive workforce while enjoying the benefits of increased loyalty, morale, and a stronger brand image.
