“Most of us spend more than a third of our lives at work. This is why the World Health Organization recognises the workplace as an important place to support and promote health and wellbeing.” – Women’s Health Week website
Unsurprisingly, women make up almost half of the Australian workforce. When it comes to supporting the health and wellbeing of female staff, there are a number of areas that employers should consider:
Physical Activity
Too much sitting can increase the risk of weight gain, high blood pressure and chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes. Employers can encourage their employees to move more at work. This Better Health web page includes tips for staying active in the workplace.
Mental Health
According to SafeWorkAustralia, work-related mental health conditions have become a major concern in Australian workplaces. Under Workplace Health & Safety legislation, employers have a duty to prevent mental injury and provide a mentally healthy workplace.
Health Checks
Women’s health checks can save lives by assisting in the prevention and early detection of health issues such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and bone health. Employers can arrange onsite health checks for their employees or include them in their workplace health and wellbeing program. Click here to download a printable poster on health checks for women.
New Parents
New mothers are returning to work sooner – according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 23% of Australian mothers with a 3-5 month old baby are in paid employment. Employees who are new parents are likely to be facing exhaustion and other physical or psychological difficulties. Managers may need to assist these staff members with navigating their workplace support options, such as parental leave, employee assistance and flexible working arrangements.
Menopause
Menopause can be a significant life transition for women. Employers may need offer work adjustments or greater flexibility to women who are dealing with menopausal symptoms which may be causing difficulties for them at work, such as hot flushes, sleep issues, fatigue or anxiety. Learn about the Menopause Information Pack for Organisations.
Family & Domestic Violence
According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, domestic and family violence is the leading contributor to death, illness and disability in women aged 15 to 44 years. Workplaces are uniquely positioned to provide support, from workplace trainings and domestic violence policies, to financial assistance, flexible working arrangements and referrals to specialised support services.
Confidential support regarding domestic and family violence is available at 1800respect.org.au.
Making It Work
Some women navigate a range of different struggles alongside their work responsibilities, such as IVF treatment or chronic illness. It is helpful for employers to develop their understanding of these issues. Read more on this Jean Hailes Women's Health Week page.
It's important to check in on the wellbeing of your employees and offer a range of support. Regular 1:1 communication, planned group discussions, wellness and movement sessions, cultural climate surveys and a holistic, integrated employee assistance program are examples of proactive tools and strategies you can implement in your workplace.
WorkPlacePLUS provides a range of HR services that can help you promote a healthy workplace culture. For more information, please contact us today.