Did you know that half of the US workforce are women? Their health and safety have a huge impact on everyone’s life. The companies can improve productivity and improve work culture. Women’s health at work could make the family happier as well.
Women’s health at work; how to improve it through practical steps
In this article, you will know about the importance of women’s health hat work by statistics and the ways to improve it.
Why supporting women’s health at work matter?
A healthy and productive workplace is everyone’s dream. It’s also a key to the success of the business. In 2020, about 69 million women were employed in the US, according to the statistics. The figures show that about half of the workforce are women. So addressing their needs will benefit everyone.
Some life events and diseases are unique for women. They will impact the overall health and work performance if mistreated. Now it makes sense that everyone needs to assist and fill the gaps.
What does it do for companies?
Companies and organizations have become more gender diverse. So women’s health at work has become the concern of employers and governments.
If you want your business to progress more, you might need to think about women’s needs as their necessities are unique. The achievement will have positive short and long-term results on everyone, including the profits.
McKinsey & Company has performed extensive research on diversity in the workplace. The result indicates that “gender-diverse companies have improved financial performance. Such companies were 25% more likely to have a better profitability”.
Other widely used services of this center are:
How can you support women’s health at work?
The mentioned reasons indicate the importance of Women’s Health at Work. The point is that companies can take constructive steps that will benefit everyone. Science will support the provided tips.
Train the team
Osha requires employers to train staff and employees. Employers could also educate them on women’s health and the concerns correlated with it. Managers and leaders should be aware of women’s needs and the effects on performance. They need to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
For instance, the signs of menopause can appear differently in women. Some could suffer from anxiety or memory loss. Affect performance and efficiency at work is inevitable. The other symptoms of menopause could be as follows:
- Headaches
- Irregular periods
- Night perspiration
- Change in mood
- Fatigue
- Sleep problem
- Confusion
- Loss of concentration
The above symptoms can tell you when women need help and support.
You can keep managers up to date and well aware of the women’s situation. They need to know how to talk to them and respond to such conditions.
You could prepare videos or infographics to keep the staff educated. It’s also possible to send the information through emails or social media platforms. They could include data about:
- Conditions associated with periods,
- Pregnancy,
- Struggles with menopause or fertility
- Heavy bleeding
A friendly atmosphere
According to CDC, “stress-related illnesses are about twice as high for women than men.” The topics like menstrual cycles and menopause could get considered taboo. Women might not feel comfortable talking about them. The managers and leaders need to create a safe environment so women can talk about it. They mustn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed due to the nature of their body. Managers need to show they understand and care.
The “giver” type of people can be a good option for this case. The people that Adam Grant describes in his book “Give and Take”. Such people care about others and prioritize their benefits. The team trusts them and would follow them. The obvious sign of them is that they say “we,” not “I.”
Recruiting policy
The CDC reports that “women are more likely to contract, temporary, part-time or contingent work.” Women are often afraid to bring up a safety issue that could lead to losing the job or more tough situations—they tend not to report a work-related injury.
Employers could make the companies policy clear about women’s health at work. Women could also recognize the best places to work this way.
Employers could explain healthcare provisions and the possibility of remote working or flexible working hours.
Employees’ mental wellbeing programs could provide further information and educate the staff. Such programs can motivate and instill a positive mood into the business. A positive mindset on being able to do stretches or a coffee break could reduce the pressure.
Women can ensure they will have a safe ad relaxed working environment. They will feel comfortable explaining the problems with managers and receive support.
If employers know the conditions exactly, they can make the right choice and policy. Remote working, flexible working, or extra breaks could be according to the women’s needs. It could also decrease retention.
A suitable environment for women
Companies could implement a few changes to make the office right for women. For instance, visitors might need a separate room for breastfeeding. They might not feel comfortable doing it in front of the public. Some religions, like the Muslims, may not breastfeed in public. They have certain rules over it.
If the employees wear a uniform, determine if they are comfortable with it or not. It must be practical, and women feel not too hot or cold in it.
Often women might need space to relax when experiencing the symptoms of menopause. You can also take other’s opinions. It’s another sign of Givers, Grant explains. Often you might need to provide some medications and treatment.
Hydration
Employees often forget to drink enough water at work. It’s true for women as well. You get dehydrated; your body can not work properly. Women might be busier than men due to parental responsibilities. They may not get enough hydration at home either.
The signs of dehydrated employees could be dry mouth or skin, sleepiness, thirst, and headaches.
Dehydrated employees may have:
- Delayed Reaction Time
- Decreased Physical and Mental Performance
- Loss of Consciousness
- Kidney problems
- Concentration problems
Employers might need to make hydration available at the workplace. A water dispenser could encourage the employees to drink water every day. Employees have to stand up and walk, which reduces the pain of sitting for long hours.
Water cooler culture
A culture has formed in the companies named “water cooler chat.” The conversation people have before the water cooler is important; this is why:
- Builds the company culture.
- Could bring people out of their shells.
- Improves employee retention.
- Improve collaboration
- Increase productivity
- Staff come up with great ideas and solutions
Create a healthy environment
James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, says that “If you want to start a new constructive habit, you need to create the environment. It’s easier to continue them”.
You can create an atmosphere relaxed for women at work. A well air-conditioned office makes women have more energy. A plant on their desk could improve their mood. You could send them useful apps to use at work for being healthy, like water apps. The office needs to have appropriate light as well.
Mental health
Mental health at work is essential for men and women, and there is no difference. But women could experience higher mental health problems than men. Post-pregnancy, anxiety, depression, and poor body image could hurt women.
Employees can provide weekly or monthly health checks. They can assess staff well-being and take the required actions. The online educational courses on mental health could inform women what to do about mental health. Breaks or regular holidays can alleviate the pressure on them and make them comfortable.
Care about Ergonomics
According to CDC, “women face more work-related cases of musculoskeletal disorders.” They are the injuries of the lower back, neck, legs, arms, joints, tendons, nerves, and muscles. Experts indicate that more research is needed to know the reason. But employers can take precautious steps to avoid such problems. Back and seat cushions can help the right seating position.
Tests and checkups
companies and employees both can take the advantages of health tests and checkups. Its’ always profitable to invest in employees’ health. It will create a strong connection between the staff and company. The team can perform tasks effectively, and it means further progress to the company.
It could also improve physical fitness and reduce stress levels. A self-assurance that makes the staff feel comfortable. It’s an investment that will reduce personal medical costs and health risks.
Let’s sum up…
Women’s health at work has become an essential part of today’s world. Women make half of the workforce, and their health and well-being can benefit everyone.
The article explained the importance of women’s health at work and strategies to reach it. As explained, one of the things you can do is to take health tests and checkups. If you are looking for a center in Las Vegas, Southern Nevada Occupational Health Center offers a variety of tests and examinations to workers and employers under OSHA standards.
The aim of such tests and examinations is to help increase productivity and diagnose imminent work-related injuries. Your employees are the most valuable part of your company. Take one step to make things better.
