Beyond the Annual Checkup: 4 Ways to Empower Women’s Health in the Workplace
According to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, health equity "is the principle underlying the continual process of ensuring that all individuals or populations have optimal opportunities to attain the best health possible."
Everyone deserves access to the necessary knowledge and treatment for their bodies, yet women and people with uteruses continue to be excluded from the greater conversation despite experiencing numerous changes, from menstruation to hormonal imbalance to menopause. BIPOC, transgender, and non-binary individuals face additional barriers that are detrimental to their health, resulting in more economic strain and health concerns.
Even when the spotlight is on us, people tend to focus more on reproductive health than other conditions and comorbidities that harm our quality of life. Intentional or not, this exclusion heavily impacts our ability to thrive professionally, highlighting the need for a greater focus on inclusive feminine health.
Here, we discuss four ways to prioritize women's health in the workplace and how tangible changes in your organization can help foster a culture of belonging and solidarity.
Health equity impacts business success. Listening to women is paramount.
Women's health is an important driver of growth that affects individual employees and businesses; its importance can't be overstated. There are several reasons why companies need to stay up to date on how women's health plays a role in the workplace:
- Workplace belonging: 94% of workers consider belonging very or somewhat important. When employers listen to their women employees and their health concerns, they establish better trust and respect.
- Health equity: 98% of organizations prioritize health equity, with nearly half ranking healthcare access and quality as one of their top focuses. If companies want to demonstrate a meaningful and socially responsible commitment to their employees, joining others in this movement is a great way to start.
- Economic growth: According to McKinsey, Improving women's health can increase the global economy by a whopping $1 trillion annually by 2040. It's simple: women receive proper care and the entire world benefits.
How often do we think about the way anxiety or depression affects our ability to excel in our roles? How do we maintain high work performance if we struggle with a chronic condition that presents different symptoms every day?
By recognizing and addressing these issues, whether through comprehensive benefits or alternative work options, you, as a leader, can empower others to sustainably balance their careers and health.
Here are four ways to prioritize women's health in the workplace.
1. Ensure your healthcare benefits are inclusive.
People have unique health needs. One might require coverage for an endometriosis excision procedure, while another may seek additional mental health support to process a difficult life change. To be a well-rounded leader, you must ensure that your healthcare benefits align with your workers' priorities.
Comprehensive health insurance, parental leave, preventive health programs, and disability support are just a few examples of women's health offerings that can reassure all employees that their well-being is cared for.
2. Embrace a flexible work culture.
COVID-19 disrupted our way of work, opening doors to hybrid and remote alternatives—and we're not going back. A more flexible culture has allowed women to tend to their personal schedules, like taking care of their children, finishing errands, or going to important appointments while remaining productive. In many ways, it has been a much-desired remedy for workplace burnout.
As your workforce continues to evolve, reassess and change as necessary to help employees achieve balance and hit their goals more effectively.
3. Foster an open learning environment.
Health education goes a long way, providing employees with valuable insights that can help impact their decision-making. What must people know about their menstrual and hormonal health? What information will equip them to advocate for themselves during a doctor's visit and undergo proper testing?
Encourage open dialogue to remove workplace stigma from health-related topics. An educated team is an empathetic team and is key to a more inclusive work environment that encourages everyone to come as they are and leave as better, more informed versions of themselves.
4. Consult your team for productive feedback.
Your employees may expect ERGs or support groups that give them a safe space to land or on-site health services that make accessing necessary care more seamless. But you won't know if you don't ask.
Work with your team members to gather feedback and create a tangible plan that sets you on the right path. Change doesn't have to be immediate, but committing to small, bite-sized actions can take you far and demonstrate that you care—on an individual and organizational level—for everyone's well-being.
Navigating women's health in the workplace is daunting. Don't do it alone.
Whether you're a leader seeking to transform your company's healthcare policies or an individual wanting to gather more insights to advocate for your health, it's vital to push forward with a tribe of women to guide, empower, and equip you with the network and resources to thrive.
Looking for a community to empower you in your health and career journey? CCWomen, a professional platform for women and allies, might have what you need.
