Recent data highlights a critical lapse in workplace support, notably impacting women in the UK.
- Women miss an average of nine workdays annually due to health issues exacerbated by insufficient support.
- Derogatory remarks about women’s health concerns in workplaces are alarmingly common, affecting nearly half of female workers.
- A significant number of businesses acknowledge the potential productivity boost if women’s health support improves.
- Research underlines the critical need for better managerial understanding of women’s health issues.
Recent research by Benenden Health has uncovered a substantial gap in workplace support for women, contributing to the loss of 150 million working days in the UK each year. This data suggests that women employees, on average, miss nine days of work annually due to health concerns, which are often overlooked in professional settings.
A troubling finding from the study indicates that 42% of women have encountered derogatory comments about their health status. This stigma surrounding health-related absences or perceived lack of productivity creates a pervasive environment where women feel discouraged from discussing their health issues with management. Notably, when managers are female, the comfort level of women to discuss health matters rises dramatically to 96%.
The survey, which included 5,000 female employees and 1,000 business owners, reveals stark statistics: 70% of women face challenges with menstrual issues, 62% encounter difficulties during pregnancy, and 64% struggle with menopausal impacts at work. These findings underscore the pressing need for a more inclusive and understanding workplace environment that accommodates women’s health needs effectively.
Moreover, six in ten business owners believe that enhancing support for women’s health could significantly uplift productivity levels. This suggests that better management training and sensitivity towards these issues could yield substantial benefits for organisations.
Benenden Health’s investigation also points to the UK’s position in the global rankings concerning the female health gap. The country has the largest gap among G20 nations and is ranked 12th globally. In response, Benenden Health, in collaboration with The Fawcett Society, seeks to illuminate and bridge these disparities, advocating for a more equitable and supportive workplace atmosphere.
Rebecca Mian from Benenden Health emphasises the importance of understanding and addressing women’s specific health needs to foster successful business environments. Similarly, Jemima Olchawski from The Fawcett Society articulates a need for systemic change, highlighting that the current framework fails both women and businesses, necessitating prompt reforms.
Addressing women’s health issues in the workplace is crucial for enhancing productivity and ensuring equality.
