Imagine a workplace where every woman feels seen, supported, and empowered to bring her best self daily.
Sounds inspiring, right? Well, it’s a possibility that’s within reach. By addressing critical issues such as perimenopause, cardiac health, depression, and caregiving, employers can create a thriving, productive, and happy workforce.
Why Women’s Health Matters at Work
So, what can HR teams do to support women in the workplace? Here are a few strategies to consider:
Women face unique health challenges that impact their work performance and overall well-being. From perimenopause to caregiving responsibilities, acknowledging and addressing these issues is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Let’s explore how focusing on women’s health can benefit your business.
Perimenopause and Menopause Support
Empowering Women’s Productivity
Remember how it feels to work through a sleepless night? Now, imagine dealing with sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and mood swings while giving your best at work. Many women navigating through perimenopause and menopause face these challenges.
In 2023, Personify Health member data revealed that women in the menopausal age group were 4% less likely to get the recommended 7+ hours of sleep per night. This lack of sleep can significantly impact productivity and overall job satisfaction. By providing flexible work schedules, temperature-controlled environments, and access to counseling, employers can help women manage these symptoms effectively.
Practical Steps for Employers:
- Flexible work schedules: Allowing women to adjust their work hours can help them manage symptoms better.
- Temperature-controlled environments: Ensuring the workplace is comfortable can reduce hot flashes.
- Access to resources: Providing counseling, medical consultations, benefits, and digital health coaching can offer the support women need during this transition.”
Cardiac Health
Driving Employee Wellness and Engagement
Cardiovascular disease is a significant health concern for women. Data from Personify Health members revealed that in 2023, women in the menopausal age group were 50% more likely to have cardiac disease than those not in this age group. Promoting heart health through personalized wellness programs can reduce healthcare costs and improve employee engagement.
Effective Strategies for Heart Health
- Onsite health screenings: Regular check-ups can catch potential issues early.
- Educational workshops: Teaching employees about nutrition and exercise can promote healthier lifestyles.
- Support for smoking cessation: Helping employees quit smoking can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Depression and Stress
Nurturing Mental Wellbeing and Resilience
Depression and chronic stress are prevalent issues that can negatively impact female employees’ performance. Offering mental health resources and promoting work-life balance are crucial to supporting mental wellbeing.
Building a Supportive Environment
- Personalized Health Platform to boost Employee Assistance Programs and benefits utilization: Offering one place to leverage daily that gives personalized recommendations can help build daily routines and introduce other benefits, such as your EAP or mental health support that might otherwise go unused.
- Stress management workshops: Teaching techniques for handling stress can improve overall wellbeing.
- Flexible work arrangements: Allowing employees to adjust their schedules can help them manage stress more effectively.
Caregiving Support
Fostering Retention and Loyalty
Many women wear the dual hats of career professionals and caregivers. Striking a balance can feel like walking a tightrope. Here’s where employers can be the safety net. According to 2023 Personify Health member data, women are 60% more likely to report stress related to caregiving than men. By offering caregiver support initiatives, employers can demonstrate empathy and foster loyalty.
Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace
- Flexible leave options: Allowing time off for caregiving responsibilities can reduce stress.
- Resources for caregiving assistance: Information on caregiving services can be invaluable.
- Employee support and resource groups/ERGs: Creating a community of support within the workplace can help employees feel understood and valued.
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Embracing these focus areas is not just about checking boxes for diversity and inclusion; it’s about creating a supportive environment that benefits everyone. It is committed to nurturing a work culture where employees feel valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed. By addressing issues such as perimenopause, cardiac health, depression, and caregiving, employers can build a more productive, engaged, and loyal workforce.
To HR and Benefits leaders and wellbeing champions: By prioritizing women’s health, you’re advocating for a brighter, more resilient future for your workforce. You’re not just managing an organization; you’re fostering a community where every woman has the support she needs to thrive.
Employers looking to improve their workplace and support their female employees should consider seeking advice from health experts and implementing the abovementioned strategies.
Take the next step toward a healthier, more inclusive workplace today. Schedule a demo to find out how Personify Health makes it easy for women in your workforce to receive daily support and instant access to benefits.
Sources:
2023 Personify Health (formerly Virgin Pulse) member data from health check, validated sleep, and validated activity data.