Research has shown that while more men and women are aware of the endometriosis challenges faced by women, it is still a taboo subject in many workplaces.
The charity Endometriosis UK published a study to coincide with the month of March, which is Endometriosis Action Month. It concluded that almost two thirds (65% of people) now recognize endometriosis from a list.
The charity said that while women still understand the condition better than men (82% versus 47%), this is an improvement over the 53% reported by all in 2024, and the 49% in the year 2023.
In principle, more than one-third (37%) said that they would feel comfortable talking about periods or menstrual hygiene with their colleagues at work, but in reality, it is not always the case.
Only 11% of men, and 20% of females, said that they had had an open conversation with their colleagues about menstrual hygiene and periods.
When asked how they would react if their colleague revealed that they have endometriosis or what they would do if it happened to them, 39 percent of respondents responded by suggesting ways to get the support they need.
A fifth of respondents (21%) indicated that they would be able to help someone and 17% stated they were aware of HR policies or services they could use.
Total 13% of respondents said that they were worried about the performance of a co-worker being negatively affected. Comparatively, only 6% said that they would advise the person not to tell their manager. This was followed by 3%, who would prefer to avoid the subject, and 2%, who would be embarrassed to bring it up.
Julie Burns is the manager of Endometriosis UK’s ‘Endometriosis Friendly Employee’ program. She said that it’s crucial that employers create an environment where their employees feel comfortable talking about their health and how that might affect their work, or any other issue, whether personal, familial or professional.
Employers should create safe spaces for these conversations to take place in a constructive manner. It is important to acknowledge that endometriosis can be a serious condition. However, employers should create safe spaces for these conversations.
We strongly believe by letting your employees know that they can feel free to discuss different health issues that may affect them that you are valuing them. Burns said that cultivating a culture of acceptance towards endometriosis, menstrual hygiene and other health issues will allow those affected by the disease and your organization to flourish.
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