Tackling Taboos: Why Female Health in the Workplace Matters
Audrey Kelly Head of Corporate Sales, Irish Life Health
Having conducted a survey of over 300 nationally representative participants, Irish Life Health has explored how female health related issues impact women in the workplace specifically. These insights may help inform your company’s approach to future employee supports.
Our findings highlight an apparent lack of psychological safety and open communication regarding female health in many organisations, with only 42% of women saying they are comfortable communicating female health related issues to their employer and manager¹. A perceived stigma around female health is also prevalent, with 36% of women agreeing with the statement ‘I am fearful of negative career repercussions if I disclose female health issues to my employer’¹.
The research also found that one-third of women have had to use precious annual leave as a result of female health issues, with a further 27% having to take unpaid leave¹. In these instances, the financial pressure on female employees can be amplified. Many are facing reduced income due to female health related symptoms or treatment, and this is further compounded by the current cost of living crisis.
Only 13% of women surveyed worked for a company that had dedicated policies in place for female health¹. When it comes to talent attraction and retention, 52% would consider moving to an organisation with better female health supports, and in the case of 18–24 year olds, this number jumps to a staggering 68%¹.
With women still fearing stigma in the workplace, companies need to work to create psychological safety – through formalised policies, removing biases, and spotlighting women role models. While it’s great to see some organisations leading the charge in this space, it is no longer a ‘nice to have’ it is a ‘need to have’. By investing in, and implementing meaningful and relevant female health supports, you could position your organisation as an employer of choice, reduce absenteeism, staff turnover and improve employee experience. And with so few organisations providing this at an appropriate level, there is a huge opportunity for employers to offer women in Irish workplaces better guidance and care around their health.
This is just one of the reasons why Irish Life Health developed the new female health consultation service, so your employees don’t have to figure it out on their own. This health insurance benefit will give your employees direct access to GPs who are specialists in female health via in-depth video or phone consultations, from anywhere. The GPs can even refer members for follow up in-person care if required and guide them to other supports that often form part of the ideal treatment - such as nutrition, physiotherapy and mental health.
To find out more about health insurance for your employees, please contact: corporate.enquiries@irishlifehealth.ie
Irish Life Health dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Where this benefit is available on your plan, we will provide a contribution towards a video consultation booked with an Irish based Centric Health GP who is a specialist in female health. We will pay Centric Health directly up to the amount detailed for the number of visits listed on your Table of Cover. You will be required to provide payment details for the remaining amount at the time of booking. Centric Health will take payment 48 hours before your scheduled appointment and once payment is taken it is non-refundable. This amount cannot be claimed against any other benefit on your plan, including your GP visits benefit, as you cannot claim for the same medical expenses twice. The female health specialist GP may recommend additional follow-on services, such as blood tests, scans, or visits to other allied health professionals. These follow-on services are not covered under this benefit, but you may have cover on your plan under another benefit listed on your Table of Cover. This service is not suitable for emergencies or urgent conditions as this may delay your treatment. Where a member is under the age of 18, it is necessary for an adult dependent on the policy to book the consultation on their behalf. Depending on the nature of the presenting issue, the GP may request the presence
of a parent or guardian for those under the age of 18.
Information correct as at November 2023
Sources: ¹Irish Life Health Female Health in Business Research, Red C Omnibus, July 2023.
