How to manage endometriosis in the workplace

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and girls of reproductive age — almost 5% of the workforce — and costs more than $7.7 billion per year in health care, absenteeism and lost social and economic participation.

To improve workplace outcomes and support endometriosis-affected workers, employers need to ensure they have a good understanding of the disease and the reasonable steps they can take to help manage workers’ symptoms. Safe Work Australia (SWA) released a fact sheet that gives employers the information they need to achieve a safe and healthy work environment for endometriosis sufferers as part of the National Action Plan for Endometriosis. We take a look below:

What is endometriosis?

According to SWA, “Endometriosis is a chronic disease where cells similar to those that line the uterus (the endometrium) are found in other parts of the body.” This can cause symptoms such as pain, bladder and bowel problems, nausea, lethargy, fatigue and heavy and painful menstrual bleeding. However, not all women with endometriosis will show symptoms.

There is currently no known cure for endometriosis. Yet it can be effectively managed through: physical activity and exercise; sleep, stress management and relaxation; pain relief medication; hormone therapy (such as the combined oral contraceptive pill); and in some cases, surgery.

What employers need to know

Work health and safety (WHS) laws require employers to do what is reasonably practicable to provide a safe working environment and ensure the health and safety of workers — including those with existing illnesses like endometriosis — while at work, according to SWA. This may include becoming familiar with the work-related psychological health and safety guide to help manage increased stress levels caused by uncomfortable or painful symptoms, talking to workers about how they are coping, and improving access to toilets and rest facilities.

Additionally, severe endometriosis can amount to a disability. Under antidiscrimination laws, an employer must not discriminate against or harass anyone in their employment because of a disability and must provide reasonable adjustments to help workers do their job safely. Employers also must not take adverse action against a worker or prospective worker because of their disability, such as for accessing sick leave.

More information about legislative protections for workers can be found via the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Australian Human Rights Commission.

How employers can help

According to the fact sheet, there are a number of ways employers can help endometriosis sufferers.

These include:

• building a supportive workplace culture,
• starting a supportive and respectful conversation,
• allowing workers an overarching medical certificate recognising their condition from their treating doctor,
• putting a support plan in place with the help of their treating doctor to help manage symptoms at work,
• making flexible work arrangements,
• discussing job modifications, and
• developing policies and procedures that can help raise awareness of the disease.
   

More information can be found via SWA’s fact sheet: Supporting workers with endometriosis in the workplace or the National Action Plan for Endometriosis.

Image credit: © stock.adobe.com/au/Evrymmnt