Workplace Culture shapes Women's Physical and Mental Health outcomes

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, certain factors continue to hinder women's progress, particularly concerning their physical and mental well-being. A recent survey by Deloitte across 10 countries, incl. Asia region, sheds light on the persisting obstacles that women face, revealing alarming trends and shedding light on areas in dire need of improvement.

Deloitte's fourth edition of its Women @ Work report reveals consistent trends on attitudes in the workplace that shape the women's experience as employees, leaders, caregivers and breadwinners. Understanding more about the challenges women face includes taking active steps in improving their professional experiences, removing personal obstacles and instituting a culture of openness in the workplace.

Stress and Mental Health Concerns

One of the most significant findings revolves around the escalating levels of stress among women in the workplace. According to this year's survey, half of the women participants reported higher stress levels compared to the previous year. Additionally, a similar proportion expressed concerns about their mental health, indicating a pervasive issue that demands attention.

Alarmingly, the stigma surrounding mental health persists, with two-thirds of women admitting discomfort in discussing mental health matters at work or disclosing it as the reason for taking time off. Despite efforts to foster a supportive workplace culture, many women still harbor fears of discrimination or negative repercussions, with one in ten having faced adverse experiences when broaching mental health topics in the past.

Moreover, a concerning correlation emerges between working hours and mental well-being. The survey highlights that while half of women adhering to their contracted hours reported good mental health, this percentage drastically declines to 23% among those working extra hours regularly, underscoring the toll of long working hours on women's mental health.

Physical Health Challenges

Beyond mental health, women also grapple with significant physical health challenges within the workplace. Over a quarter of women surveyed reported experiencing difficulties related to menstruation, menopause, or fertility, highlighting the prevalence of these issues.

Of particular concern is the revelation that many women choose to work through debilitating pain rather than take time off. Whether it's enduring menstrual discomfort or navigating symptoms associated with menopause, a significant portion of women opt to soldier on, often without seeking the support they need. Despite some progress in employer support—such as a slight increase in those receiving support for taking time off—many women still hesitate to discuss these health challenges with their managers, fearing negative repercussions.

Navigating Stigma and Company Culture

The reluctance to address women's health concerns directly correlates with the persisting stigma and prevailing company culture. A notable percentage of women expressed discomfort in speaking up about personal issues, citing concerns about career progression, stereotypes, and vulnerability to redundancy.

• 27% of professionals surveyed revealed that they don't feel comfortable speaking up about personal issues; while
• 15% of female professionals said they were concerned that speaking up would negatively impact their career progression.

This apprehension stems from a perceived lack of encouragement from company cultures to openly discuss women's health topics. Many women fear that disclosing their health challenges could jeopardize their standing within the organization, hinder career advancement, or lead to unfair assumptions about their abilities.

The Call for Change

In light of these findings, it's evident that concerted efforts are needed to address the multifaceted challenges women encounter in the workplace, particularly concerning their physical and mental health. Initiatives aimed at destigmatizing mental health discussions, fostering supportive workplace cultures, and providing comprehensive support for women's health issues are paramount.

Employers must prioritize creating environments where women feel empowered to prioritize their well-being without fear of repercussions. This necessitates implementing policies that accommodate women's health needs, including flexible work arrangements, access to mental health resources, and paid leave for menstruation-related symptoms.

Ultimately, by recognizing and addressing these challenges head-on, organizations can foster inclusive, supportive workplaces that enable all employees, regardless of gender, to thrive professionally and personally. It's time to dismantle barriers and pave the way for a more equitable and health-conscious work environment for women everywhere.

This survey is highly relevant within the Philippine context. We see similar trends in the female workforce. Although a lot has been done in the past few years, there is still a lot more to do to:

• improve health outcomes for women
• support young professionals to have a fulfilling career
• encourage organisations promote openness and inclusivity by investing in the right benefits solutions for their employees.

Schedule a demo here, to learn more about how Hati Health can contribute to your workplace success and our solutions for HR teams and individual employees, across mental and physical health needs.

We will be further diving into this subject during our upcoming webinar, on May 28, joined by a panel of experts, sharing their take from other countries, and our unique perspective from the Philippines.

Register Here to secure your free slot.

At Hati Health, we're dedicated to revolutionizing women's healthcare by offering accessible, on-demand solutions tailored to their needs. Our digital platform provides a plethora of services, from telehealth consultations to holistic wellness plans and educational resources, empowering women to take control of their health journey.

We recognize the importance of fostering open conversations about women's health and providing practical solutions to address their unique needs. By offering a seamless virtual experience, Hati Health ensures that women can access the right care, right when they need it, empowering them to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

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