Women uncomfortable telling the truth about days off from work

A recent study found that a quarter of women would be reluctant to tell their boss the truth if they got sick due to female-related health issues.

A study conducted with 2,000 women revealed that 41 percent of women would be embarrassed to reveal the real cause of their illness, and 27 percent were afraid of the decision their managers would make.

Common topics like vaginal infections, pelvic floor disorders, and sexual health are topics women would prefer not to discuss with their bosses. Instead, two-thirds used a headache or stomach upset as an excuse.

Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer AXA Health, The organization that commissioned the research said: “As an employee, it can be difficult to talk about your personal health at work, especially if the topic is about women’s health.”

“But whether it’s morning sickness, menstrual pain, or menopausal symptoms, women’s poor attendance at work due to health problems should be treated the same as migraine or illness.”

The study also found that 49% believed they had to take time off for a women’s health-related issue in the past, but had not done so due to concerns about falling behind or being seen as unreliable.

A fifth of employees feel pressure to ‘keep going’ at work; 16% fear taking sick leave could hinder their career advancement; 19% say their current workplace does not support women’s health issues.

As a result, one in 10 believe more supportive leadership would foster an environment where women feel comfortable discussing health-related issues.

But there is also some positive news; More than two-thirds agree that changes in workplace culture over the past decade have made it easier to discuss women’s health issues.

Pallavi Bradshaw of AXA Health commented: “Businesses are making great progress in supporting working women, but these results show there is more to do.”

“It is important that employers have awareness of the scope and severity of the challenges women may face and how these challenges may affect them in the workplace.”

She concluded: “Having women in the workplace is a win-win situation for women and businesses, so it is crucial that we create workplaces that are both inclusive and productive.”