Workplace wellness support for endometriosis
This Endometriosis Awareness Month, let’s look at how employers can better understand and support employees living with endometriosis. With an estimated 1.5 million women in the UK affected by endometriosis, it’s a vital part of workplace wellness initiatives. Regular exercise can help manage symptoms, but it’s not as simple as that for those with endometriosis.
When is Endometriosis Awareness Month in the UK?
Endometriosis Awareness Month dedicated to increasing understanding and visibility of endometriosis. It’s a global awareness month that takes place each March and was started by The Endometriosis Association. Broadly, its aims are educating the public, healthcare providers, and employers about the challenges faced by those living with the condition as well as equipping women with knowledge to advocate for better treatment. For your organisation, it’s a great opportunity to evaluate your workplace wellness provides for employees with endometriosis – and to implement more appropriate inclusive fitness benefits.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis (also called endo) is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb – including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowel. During each menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up and breaks down just as the lining of the womb does, but because it has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped, leading to painful symptoms.
The condition primarily affects women of reproductive age, though it can impact anyone with a uterus, including transgender men and non-binary individuals. Symptoms typically include severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, pain when using the toilet, and fatigue. Many individuals also experience fertility issues.
How does endometriosis impact time off work?
- Approximately 1 in 10 women in the UK have endometriosis (around 1.5 million people).
- It takes an average of 8 years to receive a diagnosis from the onset of symptoms.
- Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2 billion annually in treatment, loss of work, and healthcare costs.
- 40% of those with endometriosis have had to reduce their working hours due to their symptoms.
- 30% report that the condition has significantly impacted their career progression.
- 54% have taken time off work due to symptoms, with 27% taking more than four weeks off in a year.
Common challenges for endometriosis sufferers in the workplace
Endometriosis is a complex condition that can’t be reduced down to a few neat symptoms, but here are the most common challenges faced by people with endometriosis in the workplace.
Can fitness help with endometriosis?
Your employee benefits and workplace wellness plans no doubt include fitness as a benefit, and regular exercise can help manage endometriosis symptoms. However it’s not as simple as providing women with access to a gym and assuming that will help them feel better. Whilst regular activity may help with hormone levels (which can slow the growth of endometrial tissue), and exercise can help manage associated conditions like depression and anxiety, your fitness benefits need to be hyper personalised.
What kind of fitness should you do with endometriosis?
Not all exercise is beneficial for those with endometriosis, so make sure your employees have access to flexible, varied fitness-as-a-benefit. Women with endometriosis may be particularly interested in low-impact exercises like swimming and walking, gentle yoga for relaxation and pelvic floor health, strength training with proper guidance from a specialist trainer, and mindful practices like tai chi or breathwork classes.
High-intensity workouts can exacerbate symptoms, particularly during flare-ups. To truly support your female employees, offer fitness benefits that give plenty of choice (and make sure employees feel comfortable voicing their needs).
How can employers support those with endometriosis?
Flexible fitness benefits aren’t the only way to support your employees with endometriosis symptoms. Here are 5 ways to build a supportive company culture beyond Endometriosis Awareness Month:
- Debilitating pain that can occur unpredictably during the workday.
- Fatigue that affects concentration and productivity.
- Difficulty explaining symptoms to managers and colleagues.
- Taboos around menstrual health and women’s health.
- Difficulty balancing other pressures, such as childcare.
- Lack of flexibility at work to accommodate appointments or flare-ups.
- Inadequate facilities or support for managing symptoms in the workplace.
- Mental health challenges associated with chronic pain.
- Impact on quality of life and enjoyment of work/career.
How can employers support those with endometriosis?
Flexible fitness benefits aren’t the only way to support your employees with endometriosis symptoms. Here are 5 ways to build a supportive company culture beyond Endometriosis Awareness Month:
- Provide flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home during flare-ups.
- Offer reasonable adjustments such as closer parking, more frequent breaks, and ergonomic seating.
- Ensure access to comfortable rest areas for employees experiencing pain.
- Include endometriosis in occupational health training and resources.
- Provide managers with education on how to support team members with chronic conditions.
Best employee fitness benefits for endometriosis
Flexible, varied fitness benefits are best for all your employees regardless of gender and health. But for people suffering with chronic conditions and debilitating pain – like endo – the right fitness benefits can make a real difference.
Choose fitness benefits that give access to a variety of fitness providers so employees can choose facilities that meet their needs – even if those needs fluctuate throughout the month. Go above and beyond by offering flexible gym memberships that don’t penalise for irregular attendance. Consider adding on-demand digital fitness content, classes for those with chronic pain or pelvic health conditions. And remember that women with endo often want more than just the gym – give access to pools, wellness therapies, and gentle exercise options too.
How can employers improve awareness of endometriosis?
For Endometriosis Awareness Month:
- Host inclusive awareness sessions about endometriosis for all employees.
- Provide educational resources about the condition in internal communications.
- Invite specialists to host workshops for managers and HR professionals.
- Create employee resource groups for those with chronic health conditions.
Beyond Endometriosis Awareness Month:
- Ensure company health insurance covers endometriosis treatments and consultations.
- Provide access to specialist occupational health services.
- Establish clear pathways for requesting health-related accommodations.
Employee Benefits:
- Design wellness programs that cover chronic conditions.
- Provide access to mental health support to help with emotional impact.
- Flexible fitness benefits suitable for fluctuating energy levels and pain.
Workplace Accommodations:
- Implement flexible working hours to accommodate medical appointments.
- Ensure easy access to suitable toilets and rest areas.
- Allow for movement breaks during the workday.
Employee benefits to support endometriosis
Offering flexible fitness options that accommodate the often unpredictable and fluctuating needs of those with endometriosis is easy with Hussle’s access to 1000s of gyms, pools, and fitness facilities across the UK.
Talk to our team to find out how our corporate fitness benefits can help you build a wellness offer that supports those with endometriosis – request a quote to find out more.
