With around 1 in 10 women affected by endometriosis, providing fertility support can improve wellbeing, productivity, and retention.
Q&A with Natasha Fernando, GP & Medical Director, Medichecks
In an increasingly diverse workplace, understanding and supporting the health challenges faced by employees is crucial. One condition that remains under the radar for many businesses is endometriosis, a condition that affects one in ten women.
Dr Natasha Fernando, a practicing GP and Medical Director at Medichecks, offers her insights on the importance of supporting employees with endometriosis and how businesses can create a culture of understanding and care.
Q: Why is it important for employers to support employees with endometriosis?
Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age (approximately 176 million women globally), and it can have a significant impact on both physical and emotional health. It often causes chronic pain, fatigue, and can interfere with a person’s ability to focus and perform well at work.
Without the right support, employees may struggle to balance their health and work commitments.
According to a study by Endometriosis UK, 50 per cent of women with endometriosis report needing to take time off work due to the condition, and in February this year, national research for England proved that sufferers earn less as a result.
By fostering a culture that acknowledges the challenges of endometriosis, businesses can reduce stress, improve retention, and create a more inclusive environment. Employees who feel supported during difficult times are more likely to stay engaged and loyal to their employer.
Q: How can businesses create a supportive environment for employees with endometriosis?
A strong workplace strategy should focus on flexibility, understanding, and providing access to healthcare. Flexible working hours or remote working can make a huge difference to employees dealing with pain or fatigue. Employers can also help by offering time off for medical appointments or flare-ups.
Another crucial aspect is creating an open environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their condition without fear of stigma. Raising awareness is key, as only 27 per cent of women with endometriosis feel their employers understand their condition (Endometriosis UK).
Training leadership to recognise the signs of endometriosis and offering mental health support, such as access to counselling or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), are also vital steps.
Q: What should a workplace health strategy include for employees with endometriosis?
The strategy should focus on flexibility, access to relevant health services, and raising awareness. Employers can offer practical support like adjusted hours, remote working options, or additional leave for medical appointments. There should also be a focus on educating staff and managers about endometriosis, as awareness and understanding can significantly reduce stigma and improve workplace culture.
Offering access to diagnostic services or health checks can also be a helpful step, allowing employees to manage their condition more proactively. With studies showing that 1 in 3 women with endometriosis experience difficulty managing their condition at work, an informed strategy is essential (NHS England).
Q: How does endometriosis affect productivity, and what can businesses do to mitigate this?
Endometriosis can have a substantial impact on productivity, particularly during flare-ups. Employees might experience debilitating pain, fatigue, heavy periods (which can cause anemia and fatigue) or other symptoms that affect their ability to concentrate and meet deadlines. Around 6.5 million workdays are lost every year in the UK due to endometriosis (Endometriosis UK).
To mitigate this, employers should consider offering flexible working options and a supportive work environment. Acknowledging that this is a long-term condition for many employees, and offering proactive support, such as adjusted workloads during flare-ups, can help employees manage their symptoms and continue working effectively.
Q: Is fertility support necessary for employees with endometriosis?
Fertility issues are common among those with endometriosis, with studies showing that 30 to 50 per cent of women with the condition experience infertility (Endometriosis UK). Offering support in this area can be important. However, the condition itself can affect many aspects of a person’s health and wellbeing, so fertility support should be just one part of a broader approach.
Businesses that provide access to fertility treatments, flexible working, and other health resources can show that they care about the whole person, not just their ability to perform at work. Proactively offering support before fertility becomes a concern can make a significant difference.
Q: What would you say to businesses that feel endometriosis support is outside their remit?
Supporting employees with endometriosis doesn’t require a major overhaul of business practices—it can be as simple as showing empathy and making small adjustments that demonstrate understanding. Providing flexibility, raising awareness, and offering access to healthcare resources are all effective ways to support employees without straining business resources.
A compassionate, inclusive approach can help improve morale, reduce absenteeism, and foster loyalty. In turn, this can contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.
Dr. Natasha Fernando – Medical Director, Medichecks
Dr Natasha Fernando is the Medical Director at Medichecks, where she leads a team of doctors and healthcare professionals dedicated to offering accessible, evidence-based health testing. With over 12 years of experience in the NHS, Dr Fernando also practices as a GP and holds a Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine. Passionate about preventative healthcare, she works to ensure individuals have access to the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health.
