Supporting women’s health in the workplace is vital for the success and sustainability of small businesses. Many small businesses in the UK now recognise the importance of creating a supportive environment for female employees.
Despite numerous benefits, many women continue to face significant health-related challenges at work. It is crucial to address these issues to improve employee well-being and organisational performance.
The Current State of Women’s Health in the Workplace
Embracing women’s health initiatives presents multiple advantages, including increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced employee satisfaction. However, many women still face severe health-related challenges in the workplace. A staggering 68% of women report experiencing health issues during their careers, with nearly 30% feeling unsupported by their employers.
Women-specific health matters such as periods, fertility, endometriosis, and menopause often go unaddressed, leading to significant economic repercussions. Over half of the women affected by health issues have taken time off work, and nearly a quarter have missed out on promotions, resulting in lower pay for one in five. The broader economic impact is evident, with the UK economy losing £20.2 billion annually due to neglecting women’s health at work.
The Women’s Health Strategy for England
In 2022, the UK Government launched the Women’s Health Strategy for England to tackle ongoing barriers to women’s healthcare access. This 10-year plan aims to improve health outcomes for women and girls, with a particular emphasis on women’s health in the workplace.
Key elements of the strategy include enhancing understanding of how women’s health affects their work experience, normalising conversations around periods and menopause, and sharing examples of good employer practices. The Department of Health and Social Care has also allocated funds to organisations addressing these issues.
The Role of The Women’s Organisation
The Women’s Organisation, the UK’s largest provider of women-focused training, plays a pivotal role in addressing unique challenges faced by women. Their Women’s Workplace Wellness programme offers comprehensive bundles containing tools, guides, support, and information to help small businesses.
These bundles cover aspects of women’s reproductive health, providing employers with practical guidance on support measures. Developed in collaboration with experts, the programme offers accurate, evidence-based information to assist employers.
Practical Steps for Employers
Employers can support women’s health in the workplace through several practical steps. Offering flexible work arrangements can help women manage health needs, especially during periods, pregnancy, postnatal periods, and menopause.
Implementing wellness programmes focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health is essential. These can include fitness classes, mental health days, stress management workshops, and access to nutritionists.
Establishing Supportive Policies
Establishing policies that support menstrual health, maternity leave, and menopause is crucial. Creating an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their health needs without stigma is essential for their well-being.
Simple measures, such as providing clean restrooms, lactation rooms, ergonomic furniture, and access to period products, can make a significant difference. Ensuring access to fresh air and drinking water is also beneficial.
Addressing the Communication Gap
Many small business owners struggle with understanding what is required to support women’s health in their workplaces. Often, there is discomfort or fear of saying the wrong thing.
To bridge this gap, The Women’s Organisation has launched the Women’s Workplace Wellness Advocacy Development Programme. This programme trains individuals to become Advocates for Women’s Health within their organisations.
These Advocates serve as points of contact, facilitating discussions and implementing reasonable adjustments to support women’s health needs. The programme’s quality and impact have been recognised with the Open Awards’ Badge of Excellence.
A Strategic Business Imperative
Supporting women’s health in the workplace is not just a matter of social responsibility; it is also a strategic business imperative. Anne-Marie Swift comments, ‘When businesses prioritise the health and well-being of their women employees, they experience numerous benefits that positively impact the entire organisation.’
Professor Maggie O’Carroll adds, ‘Women have specific healthcare needs compared to their male counterparts and despite women making up over half of the workforce in the UK, most SMEs do not understand the scale of the support and flexibility required.’
Supporting women’s health in the workplace is a strategic imperative that significantly benefits both employees and employers. The advantages range from improved productivity to enhanced organisational performance.
By prioritising women’s health, small businesses can create a more inclusive, supportive, and ultimately successful work environment. It is both the right thing to do and a smart business move that benefits everyone involved.
