Endometriosis in the workplace

Endometriosis in the workplace is a very serious and sensitive issue which costs the Australian economy an estimated 9.7 billion dollars each year.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis Australia describes endometriosis as “a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body.

More than 830,000 (more than 11%) of Australian women, girls, and those who are gender diverse suffer from endometriosis at some point in their life with the disease often starting in teenagers.”

It’s extremely important to acknowledge and understand the symptoms are wide-ranging. While many people who suffer with endotrmiosis will be able to self-manage, a minority with severe symptoms may require workplace modifications.

What employers can do

From a WHS perspective, although endometriosis is a non-work-related condition, it is important for organisations to be aware that they have a duty of care to their employees who have existing illnesses or injuries, such as endometriosis.

SafeWork Australia states employers have a requirement “to do what is reasonably practicable to provide a safe working environment to minimise harm, and prevent further injury”.

WHS laws state that employers also have a responsibility to manage WHS risks, provide early intervention to support recovery and make reasonable adjustments to ensure all employees can perform their job effectively.

 Primary workplace interventions

1. Build a supportive workplace culture – Train managers to be supportive and react appropriately to concerns raised by employees and to find ways of supporting employees to stay engaged, productive and comfortable at work.
2. Start a conversation – If you are noticing a pattern of time off work each month, start a conversation – “I’ve noticed you’ve been needing to take some time off work – is there anything I might need to be aware?” or “How can I support you?”.
3. Medical certificates – In many cases, the symptoms of endometriosis will be ongoing. When someone who is suffering from a chronic disease such as endo, they may require varying periods of leave from work. A recommendation is to accept an overarching medical certificate recognising their condition from their treating doctor and put in place a support plan with the assistance of their treating doctor to be able to manage their symptoms at work.
4. Flexible work arrangements – This is the most valued work adjustment by Endo Warriors.

5. Job modifications

• *regular 20 min rest breaks
• *pacing of tasks to avoid burn out
• * reducing workloads /- planning ahead for project timeframes / deadlines around flare up or monthly cycles
• modifications of work tasks should be in consultation with the employee

• reducing exposure to high stress situations

• providing greater support like putting instructions in writing
• modifying the work area, for example noise control, light / temperature adjustments
• changing the work location if suggested by the treating doctor
• Access to restroom facilities – consider this with employees who may work in the construction industry, traffic control or mining – providing portable, clean and safe toilets may be a solution

*workplace adjustments – can be implemented such as sit to stand desks, ergonomic chairs, anti-fatigue matting, heat packs – encourage frequent changes of posture

6. Policies and procedures – Developing, implementing and promoting policies and procedures in relation to chronic diseases such as endometriosis, can assist in raising awareness and understanding of the disease.

Secondary workplace interventions

1. Appoint your own Endo Champion in the workplace – a ‘go to’ person for information, a support person, to assist with applications through HR for workplace adjustments, discussions with your Line Manager – and to provide a pathway for female staff to access confidential work support – Due to the gender-specific nature of these sensitive issues.

2. Health and wellbeing programs and education in the workplace – including access to allied health interventions such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), mindfulness coaching, breathing techniques, pain education, healthy lifestyle education – diet, sleep, minimising stress, and exercise programs (EP).

3. Endo first aid kit – Equipment for assisting endo flare ups in the workplace

4. Stretches and postures

Regular exercise can have a positive effect against diseases that involve inflammatory processes such as endometriosis, it helps to reduce estrogen levels, improves emotional wellbeing, energy levels, motivation and self-confidence, quality of sleep and work productivity (Exercise Right – Endometriosis 2022)

5. Endo awareness morning teas – March is endo awareness month. In March 2022, Recover Partners held a ‘Wear Yellow for Endometriosis Team Day’. The colour yellow is a symbolism of endometriosis in Australia. 

6. Develop a tool kit of resources to display with easy access around the office, lunchrooms, restroom facilities, distribute to staff.