Why Workplaces Must Take Women’s Health Seriously

When we talk about equality in the workplace, pay gaps and leadership representation often dominate the conversation. But there’s another critical issue hiding in plain sight: the women’s health gap.

Women experience unique health challenges throughout their careers - menstrual health, fertility struggles, pregnancy, menopause and gynaecological conditions, to name a few. Yet workplaces are still often designed around a “one-size-fits-all” approach that fails to consider these realities.

This results in:

• Talented women leaving industries that don’t support them.

• Career progression stalling because of unmanaged health needs.

• Employers losing out on retaining and attracting diverse female talent.

This isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a business issue.

Why it matters for organisations

• Retention: Research shows that many women consider leaving their jobs because of lack of support around health needs. Retaining female staff isn’t about perks, it’s about creating a culture where they feel valued, supported and able to thrive throughout all stages of life.

• Attraction: A new generation of female talent is actively looking at how companies treat women’s health. If organisations want to attract women into their sector, especially in industries that have historically struggled with gender balance, taking women’s health seriously is a

• Performance and Productivity: Supporting women’s health reduces absenteeism, boosts morale and improves overall well-being. It directly contributes to stronger performance and innovation.

Why is this about true equality

True equality isn’t just about getting women “through the door.” It requires us to continue challenging barriers, addressing inequities and shaping workplaces where all women can thrive - whether they’re just starting out, returning after maternity leave, or navigating the menopause.

Women make up nearly half the workforce. Yet too often, policies, cultures and workplace design don’t reflect that reality. By closing the women’s health gap, we’re not only doing the right thing, we're building workplaces fit for the future.