Cultural shifts are needed to remove often outdated stigmas that prioritise being seen at our desks over health and wellbeing.
According to research by Benenden Health and the Fawcett Society in February 2024, 42% of women have been subjected to negative remarks regarding their health, particularly comments criticising their work ethic, capability or the necessity of taking sick leave.
Read more: Shifting the balance in women's health: why we're finally talking about it
Even more concerning, nearly half of the women surveyed were hesitant to discuss their health issues with their managers, fearing repercussions. These figures highlight the need to raise awareness and reduce stigma around women's health in the workplace.
In the UK, an inquiry by the House of Lords in 2021 found women’s health is under-researched, overlooked and often stigmatised, leading to the largest health gap out of the G20 countries and the 12th largest globally.
Meanwhile, the McKinsey Health Institute shed light on a concerning trend: women experience significantly more of their lives (20%) in poor health compared with men, leading to increased absenteeism and higher healthcare costs, greatly impacting both working women and workplaces.
By not prioritising the health of all women, and therefore not being able to retain women in the workplace, we are seeing a detrimental impact on both individual organisations and the wider economy, as well as a detrimental impact on the retention of top talent.
Read more: Nine in 10 women want better health support at work
Providing educational resources can help empower women, specifically to better understand potential health concerns and advocate for themselves during important life milestones.
Having access to evidence-based information, especially through preventative workplace wellbeing programmes, can lead to earlier interventions and better health outcomes, reducing the impact of health issues on women's careers and personal lives.
Employers are increasingly recognising the potential benefits of offering comprehensive women's health solutions in the workplace, and understanding their impact on employee wellbeing and retention.
By supporting the health and wellbeing of all women in the workplace, employers can play a crucial role in closing the gender health gap.
Read more: Three practical steps to supporting frontline women
As technology continues to evolve, so should the opportunities to create more inclusive, supportive, and health-conscious work environments for all employees. Employers making the most of technology can track women’s health throughout their lifetime.
This data can offer promising avenues for addressing the gender health gap, fostering healthier, more productive workplaces, and supporting women to thrive in their professional and personal lives.
As we approach the end of 2024, it's crucial for employers, HR professionals, and policymakers to recognise the importance of addressing the gender health gap.
By implementing supportive strategies, fostering open dialogue, and leveraging technology, we can create workplaces that truly empower women's health. This not only benefits the women in our workforce but also contributes to more productive, innovative, and successful organisations as we bridge the gender health gap and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
By Swati Matta, head of women's health at virtual healthcare provider Dialogue
