A quick summary:
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on a condition that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis remains widely misunderstood and often goes undiagnosed for years. Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing severe pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and in some cases, infertility. The symptoms can be debilitating, yet many women feel forced to push through the pain due to stigma or lack of workplace support.
For those living with it, the impact extends far beyond physical symptoms - it affects mental health, career progression, and overall quality of life. Understanding endometriosis and offering real support empowers employers to build a truly inclusive and supportive workplace.
Why does endometriosis awareness matter?
Shockingly, it takes an average of 7-10 years for women to receive a proper diagnosis. In the meantime, they often experience judgment, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment, all while trying to maintain professional and personal responsibilities. With 1.5 million women in the UK alone living with endometriosis, it's crucial to recognise the significant impact this condition has on their lives, both at work and at home.
Supporting women with endometriosis in the workplace
Employers play a crucial role in breaking the stigma surrounding endometriosis and providing the support that women need to succeed at work.
Here are some ways to create a more inclusive and understanding workplace:
- Flexible working policies - Chronic pain and fatigue don’t stick to a 9-to-5 schedule. Offering remote work or flexible hours allows employees to manage their symptoms more effectively.
- Menstrual health awareness - Education is key. Training and workshops can help managers and colleagues understand the realities of endometriosis, reducing stigma and fostering empathy.
- Paid leave for period pain and medical appointments - Top employers are now recognising endometriosis as a serious health condition and allowing time off for specialist appointments or recovery can make a huge difference.
- Access to holistic wellbeing support - Many women with endometriosis seek alternative therapies like acupuncture, nutrition coaching, and mental health support to manage their symptoms.
Retaining female talent
Providing the right support for employees with endometriosis isn’t just about wellbeing - it’s a crucial step in retaining female talent. Too often, women with chronic conditions feel forced to leave their jobs or scale back their careers due to inadequate support. By offering flexible policies, open conversations, and personalised benefits, businesses can help women stay in the workforce, thrive in leadership roles, and feel valued in their careers. Investing in wellbeing isn't just good for employees; it’s essential for fostering diverse, high-performing teams and a more inclusive workplace culture.
Access to tailored support for endometriosis
Generic wellbeing benefits aren’t effective - especially for employees managing chronic conditions like endometriosis at work which require personalised care and targeted solutions. Standard offerings typically overlook the complexities and unique challenges of such conditions, leaving employees without the tailored support they need to manage their health and wellbeing effectively.
Women experiencing endometriosis use Heka to access:
- Pain management therapies such physiotherapy and massage
- Nutritional support to manage inflammation and hormonal balance
- Mental health resources, offering therapy and mindfulness sessions
- Fitness and yoga classes designed to ease pelvic pain and enhance mobility
- Femcare products to assist with symptom management, such as pain relief, menstrual support, and daily comfort
- At-home hormone testing kits to monitor and track hormonal fluctuations
- Vitamins and supplements to support overall health, reduce inflammation, and promote hormonal balance
Advocacy and long-term change
Employers who take proactive steps to support women with endometriosis contribute to a more inclusive and equitable workforce. By acknowledging the impact of endometriosis and implementing supportive policies, workplaces can empower women to thrive professionally while managing their health. Let’s use Endometriosis Awareness Month as an opportunity to advocate for a workplace that accommodates and uplifts those living with this condition - not just in March, but every day of the year.
Let’s keep the conversation going
Endometriosis Awareness Month is about education, advocacy, and action. By taking steps to understand the condition and offering meaningful workplace support, we can create environments where women don’t have to choose between their health and their careers.
Want to find out more about how to support women in the workplace at every life stage? Join our next webinar!
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