HEALTH WORKPLACE

Working Environments

is understanding how women’s health can impact performance in different ways and learning how to create an accommodating environment where people of all genders can flourish whilst also keeping focus on our commercial goals.”

L to R: Alison Gill, Client HR Manager, Lucy Irvine, Head of Employee Benefits, Lucy Pearce, Commercial Director, Ellie Sultana, Employee Benefits Manager, Jenny Durling, Account Support manager, Nadiya Gregory, Business Developement Manager, Sonia Quinn, Souther payroll Manager, Lisa Wichlacz, Northern Payroll Manager

There are a range of things employers can do to help female staff feel comfortable discussing their health.

• Educate yourself – there is a vast range of information available online covering different women’s health topics. Following on from their study Simplyhealth have provided a great online guide; simplyhealth. co.uk/healthy-living/womens-health

• Health screenings – In general females require more health screenings than males. These also start at a much younger age. Did you know you can set up a free health screening account for your business giving your employees access to discounted rate private health screens?

• Practical support – providing sanitary goods in the female toilets is a great way to help women feel reassured that their employer is comfortable with discussing women’s health topics. This will also remove the potential scenario of someone using an excuse to leave the office or take time out if they have forgot to bring their own products.

• Be menopause aware – According to acas “Managing the effects of the menopause at work is important for both employers and their staff. For those experiencing symptoms it can be a difficult and stressful time. Everyone will experience the menopause differently and for some, symptoms can be quite severe and can

• affect people both physically and mentally” https://www.acas.org.uk/ menopause-at-work . It is therefore so important for employers and managers to consider how to approach employees going through the menopause. Due to the variation in how people experience this a case-by-case approach is often the best fit.

• Communicate – an employer who is open, understanding and confident in discussing these topics will create a more comfortable environment for employees. Not only will this allow for more open conversations it will also assist with potential absenteeism and presenteeism issues.

Speak to advo today to see how our HR and Employee Benefits team can help you establish a female friendly company culture.