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How to Promote Women's Health and Well-being in the Workplace in 2023

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How to Promote Women's Health and Well-being in the Workplace in 2023


Most of today's employers pay for gender equality. On the contrary, the India Economic Survey 2020 report gives a bleak picture of women's labor force participation. It went from 25.3% in 2017-2018 to 33.1% in 2011-2012.

This failure can be attributed to several factors. One of the main problems is the health of working women. Today, many women simultaneously work demanding jobs and family responsibilities. A variety of jobs and support services are perceived to have a negative impact on their overall health.

 


Women's health needs and work culture

Total population Different workplaces have different health needs. In the workplace, women have different health needs than men, which often go unnoticed. When these problems are not solved, they lose productivity and do not work properly, failing to fulfill their responsibilities. 

This forces them to change jobs frequently, choose part-time jobs, refuse promotions, accept low wages and accept early retirement.

So how does their presence affect your organization? To stay competitive in today's economy, you need to reorganize your workforce to keep up with the latest trends and expectations. This is where women play an important role in promoting the creative ideas that allow an organization to thrive. But their lack of health can hurt employers, missing out on top talent.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a decline in unemployment, reaching 14.3% in 2020. This shows that the battle to retain talent will intensify in the coming years. So, leaving out the actors will make your organization less efficient.

Therefore, the role of managers is very important to retain talent, especially female employees who are losing jobs and important things.

 

The Role of Employers in Promoting Women's Health

Social, cultural and economic factors contribute significantly to women's health problems. But on average, the percentage of work-related cases is higher for women than for men. The Women's Work Report states that more than 58 percent of American women surveyed recommend considering the workplace as a factor in their overall health.

Conditions such as endometriosis or infertility, pregnancy and menopause issues are often overlooked in the workplace. The unrecognized health of working women poses a barrier to their employment potential. The support of their employers is important for these women to realize their potential in the workplace. Without it, they may be viewed negatively at work. These conditions affect them not only physically but also mentally.

Investing in health promotion initiatives will improve the well-being of your employees, especially women's health.


Read: Top 10 Futures of Work Jobs and Skills in 2030


9 ways to Support Women's Health at Work

Here are some great ways to improve  employee women's health well-being:

 

How to Promote Women's Health and Well-being in the Workplace in 2023


1. Advise them when they get symptoms

Women experience more hormones during menopause or pregnancy. Providing peer support can help reduce symptoms. You can also make a first aid room where he can rest and relax.

 

2. Provides a personalized health check

Providing health screening is important to the organization for the health and well-being of employees. Make sure your employees get special attention, organize company health checks with gender-specific tests and health education.

 

3. Break through that shyness by having an open conversation

To break the stigma around women's health, it's important to have an open conversation. Men need to know about women's health if they want to be a better helper as colleagues, managers or leaders. You can create a forum for women's interests that are open to everyone. This will cover health topics, symptoms, and treatments for both men and women that may affect their relationships.

 

4. Plan flexible working hours

A woman continues to shoulder the responsibilities of work, housework and childcare equally. These people spend time hindering his ability to work, which affects his well-being in a negative way. So scheduling a flexible work schedule is one way to keep busy.

 

5. Create polls to gain insight

Some employees may be reluctant to ask for help when it comes to their health. It is very important as a manager to focus on these women too, to ensure that they are not left out of benefits.

Doing research is useful in such situations. You must understand their questions and expectations. It will also help you to make the necessary changes to correct his weaknesses at work.

 

6. Provide ergonomics at the workstation

Women are more prone to occupational hazards than men. The causes of nerve problems, anxiety, diseases and obesity are common among women. Providing functional ergonomics will help them reduce health problems, encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

 

7. Provide services from home during the maternity period

At this time, the company gives the employee 80 days of maternity leave. But this is not enough care that the child needs from the mother. It was then that he would use his work to sacrifice to take care of the child. Offering a work-from-home or part-time vacation plan can encourage your valued employee to take care of their child while at work.

 

8. Create childcare options for new mothers

Pregnancy-related problems are common among working women. Postnatal care is important for a child's growth, so creating a nursing home will help a mother take care of her child during pregnancy. Not only does your employee feel valued, but they also get emotional support from you.

 

9. Save their stories

Support a work culture that makes women feel supported and encouraged to share their health issues. It's important to keep them comfortable by making sure they are heard and not alone at a critical time. This gives managers the confidence to stand up for women's stories in front of everyone and take action to address them.


Read: How to Write a Good Safety Plan - A step-by-step guide



Health and Well-being Issues faced by Women in the Workplace


How to Promote Women's Health and Well-being in the Workplace in 2023


Women face unique physical and mental health challenges, and these challenges can have a significant impact on their careers and personal lives.

Let's explore the health and wellness issues women face in the workplace.

 

1. Mental health problems

One of the biggest issues facing women in the workplace is mental health. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, women are more likely to experience mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress. This can be for a variety of reasons, including pressure to perform well at work, societal expectations, and difficulty balancing work and family life.

What's more, according to the Women in the Workplace report, working mothers are twice as likely as fathers to worry that their child-rearing duties could negatively impact their work. Despite the increasing number of women in the workforce, there is still a stigma around discussing women's health, such as postpartum depression, per menopause anxiety, and infertility.

 

2. Burnout

Another challenge women face in the workplace is burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. Women are more likely to be tired because of other responsibilities they usually have outside of work, such as care giving and housework. Women in leadership positions, who historically report being more active than men, burn out more often today than men (28% vs. 39%).

 

3. Gender bias and discrimination

Gender bias and discrimination can also harm the health and well-being of women in the workforce. Women may face challenges such as unpaid wages, lack of opportunities for advancement, and even harassment and abuse. These challenges can lead to many mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. This can have a significant impact on women's ability to perform their duties and progress in their careers.

A study by the American Psychological Association found that women who were discriminated against in the workplace reported higher levels of stress and lower job satisfaction than their male counterparts. Gender bias and discrimination can also affect women's confidence and self-esteem, which can further contribute to poor mental health. Women may feel undervalued, excluded or unsupported, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection.

 

4. Menstrual time off

For many women, period pain and discomfort can be a major challenge that affects their ability to work and carry out daily activities. This can lead to lost productivity, lost work days, and reduced quality of life. Menstrual leave can give women the time they need to recover and manage their symptoms, allowing them to return to work refreshed and more productive.

However, the concept of menstrual leave is not without controversy. Some argue that this reinforces gender stereotypes and can hinder women's career advancement. Others argue that this can lead to discrimination against women in the workplace, as employers may avoid hiring women to avoid additional costs and negative consequences of leave. Despite the controversy surrounding menstrual leave, it is important to recognize the challenges that menstruation can pose for women in the workplace.

 

5. Taboo around physical health

Physical health is just as important as mental health, but women may not feel comfortable discussing gynecological health issues with their employers. The Foundation's work research supports ending discrimination against women with health problems in the workplace.

Endometriosis is an example of a chronic disease that affects some women of childbearing age. Heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and fatigue are just some of the symptoms. Women with endometriosis and other women's conditions can be hindered in their work and suffer depression in their mental health if their employers do not provide them with adequate accommodation. 

Unfortunately, many women with gynecological diseases do not feel comfortable going to their employers and asking for help, especially if they report to male care, for fear that they will not understand the request them.

 

Final word

In recent years, women's health issues have permeated the industry. To support them, employers need to understand their health conditions to take this into account when creating conditions and policies. Reviewing their health and safety policies will ensure they get the best possible health from your organization.

This helps gain the trust of your employees, encouraging retention. Making some changes to work schedules, providing essentials, and communicating openly can help support women's health at work.

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