With endometriosis affecting so many, there’s a high chance that you have colleagues with the disease. Symptoms include:
- chronic pelvic pain
- painful periods which interfere with day-to-day activities
- pain during or after sex
- painful bowel movements
- pain when urinating
- fatigue
- difficulty getting pregnant
Despite the commonality of endometriosis, its symptoms and existence are still relatively unknown to most employers and people outside those affected. Endometriosis UK urges employers to educate themselves and their employees to provide staff with the support they need.
Reflect Digital’s CEO and Founder, Becky Simms is an active spokesperson for the disease: “As an employer, we are committed to supporting our workforce and helping employees reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to have signed up to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer.
“I have spoken openly with my team about my own struggles with Endometriosis, and I want to ensure more workplaces make it a conversation that their team feel safe to have at work. So many women feel they can’t address the issue for worry of embarrassment, but with Endometriosis being as common as conditions such as Diabetes and Asthma, we have got to end the stigma.
“My Endometriosis causes me to have to take time off, cancelling meetings, missing deadlines - but it is something I have to live with and plan my workaround. In my mind, it should not be any easier for me as a business leader to cope with this than it should be for my team and anyone out there suffering. This needs to be a conversation that business leaders are having and supporting their teams with.”
Endometriosis UK is urging employers to learn more about endometriosis and its impact and to follow in the footsteps of Reflect Digital in providing support for employees with the disease.
“It’s fantastic to see Reflect Digital sign up to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, a positive step in ensuring those with endometriosis have access to the support they need in the workplace.
“It’s important that employers take action to help break that taboo – not just for the sake of those affected, but for the sake of their organisation. By supporting those with suspected or diagnosed endometriosis to fulfil their potential and creating an open, understanding culture, organisations can foster a more engaged and effective workforce. We urge workplaces to join in the footsteps of Reflect Digital by signing up to our Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.” Faye Farthing, Head of Communications at Endometriosis UK.
Find out more about The Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme.
