Women’s Health at Work: How to Support it?
When it comes to women’s general health, the workplace must be taken into account. Hazard susceptibility differs between men and women. Furthermore, because men and women have various types of professions, women encounter different workplace health concerns than men. Women are more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, respiratory illnesses, infections, and anxiety and stress disorders as a result of their jobs. Women are also at risk of injury and sickness due to social, economic and cultural reasons. While both male and female reproduction can be affected by workplace exposures, reproduction and pregnancy difficulties are of special concern to women.
Health Hazards and Safety Issues at Work and Solutions
1. Reproductive Issues
Women’s reproductive health difficulties are one of the most common and pressing concerns. Furthermore, more than 75% of working women are of reproductive age. Pregnant working mothers do come to work, despite the lack of paid maternity in numerous places. And if she works, there is a good probability her work exposures will impact her unborn child. Low levels of exposure to chemicals and other substances that are not toxic to the mother may be damaging to the baby. In addition, the idea of menstrual leave is not taken into account. With hormonal fluctuations and mood swings, managing periods at work becomes incredibly tough, especially if it is accompanied by discomfort and pain.
Probable solutions:
a. Paid maternity leave
b. Women’s cell to address concerns about women’s health
c. Provisions for menstruation
d. Paid menstrual leave
2. Ergonomics
Physiologically, men and women are not the same, as we all know. Women are more likely than men to have musculoskeletal disorders as a result of their jobs. One of the causes of this condition could be the sedentary lifestyle that is common nowadays. Sitting in front of a computer all day has a toll on both men and women’s physical health. More research is needed to figure out why, but it is possible that the higher occurrence of these problems among women is due to occupational or physical disparities between men and women. Because men and women have biological differences, these disorders are more common in women than in men.
Probable solutions:
a. Standing desks in the workplace
b. Walking meetings
3. Workplace Stress
Employees who are constantly in panic and anxious will never be free of stress. Women are more likely to acquire illnesses as a result of work pressure. Women are frequently the sole caregivers for their families. It imposes a new strain on them. When they fail to do so, their mental and physical health suffers as a result. Heart disease, muscle/bone diseases, depression, and burnout have all been related to job stress.
Women are also more likely than men to work on a contingent, part-time, temporary, or contract basis. Contingent workers earn less and receive fewer benefits than those in typical job arrangements. Women in such precarious occupations may be afraid that raising a safety issue may result in job loss or more challenging working conditions.
Probable solutions:
a. Employers can implement corporate wellness programmes in the workplace, so that employees will be motivated in activities, and their thoughts will be rejuvenated.
b. Mental Health Programs
c. Counseling
4. Cancer
Employees are exposed to a wide range of substances, both beneficial and negative, during their eight hours of work. They are also unable to engage in physical activities as a result of their inactive lifestyle. To cope with the stress of their tight work schedules, some employees have begun to take smoke breaks, where both men and women are at risk. Furthermore, a poor diet and lack of exercise increases the risk of cancer. Healthy routines disappear, and new behaviours lead to the development of cancer.
Probable solutions:
a. Smoke Cessation Programs
b. Office canteen with healthy food options
5. Protective Equipment
In most workplaces, there is equipment that can be used in an emergency. And, more often than not, the apparel is designed for men of average size. Women may feel insecure and unsafe in situations like this. When respirators, work gloves, work boots, and other protective equipment do not fit properly, their protective effectiveness may be compromised.
Probable solutions:
a. Provisions for protective equipment (respirators, work boots, work gloves, etc.) should be made.
6. Violence
Women have a substantially lower rate of job-related deaths than men. Workplace violence is the second biggest cause of death among women who are injured at work. While robbery is involved in almost one-third of workplace homicides among men, nearly two-thirds of workplace homicides among women are committed by a relative, with nearly all being a current or former spouse/domestic partner.
Probable solutions:
a. A women’s cell
How to Support Women’s Health at Work
Female employees should be encouraged to prioritise their health over all else by their employers. Similarly, employers must take women’s health issues more seriously, given that women now account for over half of the workforce. Employers should raise awareness about women’s health issues and encourage healthy work environment.
1. Provide resources
Encourage female employees to take care of themselves by providing them with resources about women’s health. These resources will help them understand how to deal with the numerous health challenges that women face.
2. Promote activities
Engage female employees in healthy physical activity on a regular basis.
3. Reminders
Booking appointments for health exams for female employees is one of the sweetest gestures an employer can make. This will keep their health in check as well as give them the impression that you care, resulting in employee loyalty.
4. Smoking Cessation Program
Cigarettes are frequently referred to as a woman’s worst enemy. It disrupts a woman’s entire reproductive system. As a result, women need to be aware of it. Smoking cessation programmes should be implemented in the workplace to address this issue.
5. Women’s health issues facts
Make it a practice to deliver health-related statistics and information to female employees to keep them interested and curious. In this manner, they will be reminded to prioritise their health on a regular basis.
6. Separate space
Provide a separate space for female employees to use when they require some alone time. They may have mood swings at times, particularly during PMS. A breastfeeding room can also be very beneficial to new mothers.
7. Assessments
Employers should conduct health assessments for employees, both men and women. Gender-specific testing should be included in these health exams, and women in the organization can be supported.
8. Workshops
Organise workshops and invite well-known speakers, preferably women, to speak on pertinent themes related to women’s health at work.
9. Flexible work culture
Regardless of gender, a flexible work culture is essential. In terms of health, many female-related emergencies might arise. If the work culture is flexible, in such a situation, the women in the company will feel more relieved and at ease.
When the female workforce is healthy and productive, both they and the organisation benefit. Employers must devise effective solutions to address the physical and psychological issues that women encounter in the workplace. Businesses should be responsible for making additional arrangements to ensure that their employees have access to essential services. It is only fair to build an egalitarian workplace culture that recognises the unique health requirements and needs of female employees.
Sources:
1. https://www.shponline.co.uk/women-in-health-and-safety/how-to-support-womens-health-in-the-workplace/
2. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2013/05/13/womens-health-at-work/
3. https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/health-and-wellbeing/why-employers-need-to-proactively-promote-womens-health-and-wellbeing-at-work/
4. https://tuftshealthplan.com/employer/work-well,-live-well/members/supporting-womens-health-in-the-workplace