A quarter of women would feel uncomfortable telling their boss the truth about why they were sick if they had female-related health issues, according to a study
A study has revealed that a quarter of women would feel uneasy telling their boss the truth about their absence if it was due to female-related health issues.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 women, found that 41% would be too embarrassed to disclose the real reason for their sickness, while 27% feared judgement from their manager.
In the past, two-thirds have resorted to citing a headache or stomach bug as an excuse. Common issues that women would hesitate to discuss with their boss include vaginal infections, pelvic floor disorders and sexual health.
However, the study found that 32% would be open to discussing breast cancer, and 30% would feel comfortable talking about pregnancy-related issues.
Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer at AXA Health, which commissioned the research, commented: “As an employee it can be difficult to talk about your personal health at work, particularly if it’s a conversation around women’s health.”
She added: “But calling into work unwell as a result of a women’s health issue, whether that be morning sickness, period pain or menopause symptoms, should be viewed the same way it is for a migraine or sickness bug. ”
The research also found that 49% believe they should have taken time off for a women’s health related issue in the past but didn’t.
Half were worried they’d be seen as unreliable, and 27% were concerned they’d fall behind with their work.
A fifth of workers feel a pressure to ‘push on’ in their workplace, with 16% fearing that taking sick leave could hinder their career progression, according to OnePoll.com statistics.
Regrettably, 19% claim their current workplace does not support women’s health-related issues.
As a result, four out of every ten people believe that more supportive leadership would foster an environment where women could discuss health issues more openly.
However, over the past decade, 65% agree that changes in workplace culture have made it easier to discuss female health issues.
Pallavi Bradshaw from AXA Health commented: “Businesses are making great progress in supporting women at work, but these results show there is still more to be done.”
“It’s important for employers to have awareness of the range and severity of challenges women can face, and how it may impact them at work. Ensuring businesses are creating supportive environments where women feel they can be honest and seek the help they need is vital.”
“Having women in the workplace is a win-win for women and businesses, so it’s essential we create workplaces that are inclusive as well as productive.”
