Full Breakdown
Addressing Women's Health in the Workplace: A Call for Change
3/15/2026, 3:41:37 AM
Core Findings of the Hertility Workplace Report
A recent report by Hertility highlights significant health challenges faced by female employees, revealing that 64% of women reported an average of five concurrent symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, and pain. The study, which analyzed reproductive health data from nearly 530,000 women, found that many of these symptoms were often dismissed as "just part of life." Notably, over one-third (37%) of the screened workforce had at least one hormone out of range, affecting their mood, metabolism, and cognitive function. Diagnoses included conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and pelvic issues.
The Impact of Dismissive Narratives
The report underscores a long-standing narrative that minimizes women's health issues, leading to significant consequences in the workplace. Georgia Butler, a 38-year-old employee, shared her experience of struggling with severe period pain, which ultimately forced her to change careers after years of being dismissed by medical professionals. Butler was diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOS, and adenomyosis only after enduring debilitating symptoms that affected her work life. This reflects a broader trend where women's health concerns are often overlooked, resulting in long-term sick leave and preventable early exits from the workforce.
Barriers to Care and Systemic Issues
Despite the increasing popularity of private medical insurance as a workplace benefit, many traditional policies limit coverage for hormonal, maternal, and reproductive health. This has left women navigating a National Health Service (NHS) backlog of over 750,000 cases, exacerbating their health issues. Butler emphasized the need for early access to screening and proper recognition of women's health concerns, advocating for a cultural shift within workplaces to prioritize women's health as a fundamental aspect rather than a mere "tick-box" exercise.
Official Responses and Future Directions
An NHS spokesperson acknowledged the challenges women face in accessing care and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve services. This includes the establishment of women’s health clinics in local communities, which aim to enhance access to specialist support and expedite diagnosis and treatment. The NHS plans to expand these community services as part of its 10 Year Health Plan, which is expected to improve care experiences for women.
Criticism of Current Practices
Critics argue that the current healthcare system and workplace policies inadequately address women's health needs. Deirdre O’Neill, co-founder of Hertility, stated that the narrative surrounding women's health must change to prevent unmanaged biological issues from costing businesses talent. She called for comprehensive support from individuals, businesses, insurers, and governments to foster a healthier workforce.
Verbatim Quotes
- “open image in gallery Women health experts are urging the workforce to stop minimising female employee pain and symptoms ( Getty/iStock ) Deirdre O’Neill, co-founder of Hertility, said: “For too long, women have been told their symptoms are normal, emotional or just part of life.” — Deirdre O’Neill, Co-founder of Hertility
The Hertility report serves as a critical reminder of the need for systemic change in how women's health issues are perceived and addressed within the workplace and healthcare systems.
