One in ten women in France is affected by endometriosis, yet the condition is still too often overlooked in the workplace. And its impact is significant, not only on individuals but on organizations as a whole. Women’s health, it turns out, is a real business issue. Valérie Desplanches, President and Co-Founder of the Fondation pour la Recherche sur l’Endométriose explains why.

The impact of endometriosis on women

Sixty-five percent of women with endometriosis report that the condition significantly affects their wellbeing at work. And yet, as Valérie Desplanches points out, “most employees don’t tell anyone. Not HR, not the occupational health team, and certainly not their managers.” But this is very much a workplace issue, particularly in light of the demographics involved.

The numbers are hard to ignore. “Between 10% and 20% of women are affected, and 70% of them experience intense pain. Symptoms tend to be most severe between the ages of 30 and 35, precisely when women are investing heavily in their careers,” says Desplanches.  Many women suffer in silence. “They end up concealing their condition out of fear they’ll be penalized. That self-censorship takes a toll.”

The impact on business

This silence comes at a cost. Not just for individuals, but for companies too. Almost a quarter of women with endometriosis have felt compelled to give up their jobs or careers due to daily pressures or a hostile environment. “We’re clearly missing out on a lot of talent, and on productivity too. But it’s not absenteeism that’s the problem, it’s presenteeism!” More than 80% of women with endometriosis report forcing themselves to work despite the pain, even when they know they won’t be fully functional. “Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms. That’s on top of the anxiety and mental load the condition brings,” she adds. “As it is a chronic and unpredictable illness, women are constantly anticipating flare-ups and organizing their lives around them.”

And it doesn’t stop there. Partners and family members are affected too. “Around 10% of employees are in relationships with women who have endometriosis. They may need time off for medical appointments, to look after children, or simply to manage the increased mental load.” Supporting women’s health means considering the entire care ecosystem, including caregivers and relatives, and recognizing illness as a social issue, not just a medical one.

The power of companies

There is no doubt about it, endometriosis is a clear source of inequality in the world of work, so employers have a key role in finding a solution.

Awareness is essential

If the workplace is to be adapted to the needs of women affected, we must first understand what they are experiencing. That means raising awareness among staff, and especially managers, so they can offer meaningful support.   Awareness campaigns, open communication channels, and above all, active listening are critical.  Valérie Desplanches sees reason to hope in the younger generation. “When we go into schools, it’s the boys who ask the most questions. They want to understand, they want to be part of the solution,” she says. “But it’ll be years before those young people are in positions of power.” We can’t wait. We need to act now.

Flexible hours and space

The good news is that these conversations can lead to practical, impactful action. “It might mean upgrading facilities to provide better-equipped toilets, creating quiet rooms for rest during flare-ups, or offering supplementary health insurance to help cover the cost of treatment,” suggests Valérie Desplanches. “But the most important thing is flexibility, especially around working hours.” That might be the option to work from home, or the freedom to adapt one’s schedule as needed.  “These policies reflect the culture of a company,” she adds. “Which is why it’s so important for employers and employees to co-create solutions, especially now.”

The broader picture of women’s health looks even worse. 10% of women experience polycystic ovary syndrome, between 15% and 40% suffer from pelvic congestion, and more and more are seeking reproductive support due to failing fertility rates. “And with environmental such as endocrine disruptors in the mix, we’re likely to see even more severe forms of illness at younger ages,” Valérie Desplanches warns.

So how can we ensure that tomorrow’s workplaces are inclusive, supportive and productive? By putting our minds together now to create a working world where the vital requirements of the people living in it are taken care of.

Elise Assibat, for the EVE web magazine