Just 30% of female professionals believe their employer provides workplace supports for women's health issues such as menopause, perimenopause and fertility issues, according to a new survey.
The research, by health insurance company Vhi, shows that 80% of female professionals feel that workplace supports are crucial to managing women's health issues, but only 43% of women say their workplace has a culture where women are supported to talk about their health.
It found that almost three quarters of female professionals said that women's health issues are becoming easier to discuss but 61% said it is easier to pretend to have a headache than explain they are experiencing a health issue such as menopause or menstruation.
Although 78% of women experiencing menopause said their symptoms interfered with their work, only 19% said they had discussed the condition with their employer.
Free sanitary products are the most frequently offered health support for women by employers, followed by agreed time off for female health issues, and healthcare webinars covering women’s health issues.
"Supporting women’s health in the workplace is key to enhancing wellbeing, engagement and productivity across the workforce," said Dr Fiona Belton, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health at Vhi.
"With women facing a unique set of health issues from menopause to fertility, it is crucial that employers provide the workplace policies and supports that pave the way for a healthier professional landscape for women," Dr Belton said.
"This research provides an important insight into attitudes and policies around women’s health issues in work and how employers can better meet the needs of their people," the doctor added.
The Vhi Workplace Health Insights research is based on a survey of 1,000 corporate employees and was undertaken by Ipsos B&A in August 2023.
