We prepared some ideas on how you can support women in your company
Both men and women suffer from mental health issues to the same extent. However, each gender experiences unique challenges influenced by many things, from gender specific socialisation and stereotypes, to social, economical and biological factors. Here we would like to share some information about women's mental health and give you some inspiration on how you can support your employees.
Useful facts about women’s mental health:
- Multiple research shows that women are more prone to internalising mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and somatic disorders.
- Women still do a disproportionate amount of housework. The involvement of women in household chores, on average, more than double the involvement of their male partners. Another research shows that 87% of women 35 to 45 years old that are caring for children or elderly relatives were stressed at work trying to balance those responsibilities.
- An overwhelming majority of domestic violence victims are women. 1 in 4 women experiences sexual violence by an intimate partner, and lifetime prevalence rate of violence against women ranges from 16% to 50%. The trauma, emotional distress and physical harm this abuse causes can be detrimental to mental health.
- Gender pay gap between men and women tends to increase as they age, which contributes to depression and anxiety rates in women in the workforce.
- Certain mental health conditions are specific to women and people who experience periods, such as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and the menopause.
- According to various research, 15% to 17.6% of mothers in developed countries suffer from postpartum depression.
Here are some ideas you might draw inspiration from to support women at your workplace.
- Addressing workplace harassment - workplace harassment often impacts workers based on their gender, ethnicity and race. Finding ways to learn about and address issues like racism, misogyny, harassment, or assault, can help build trust and encourage employees to come forward.
- Creating a safe environment - realising that you’re nor alone can be a huge help to a lot of people. Having an honest and open conversation about mental health can help lift a stigma surrounding mental health disorder and empower people to come forward with their struggles and to seek help.
- Sharing the link to the Wellbeing Hub - Kara Connect Wellebing Hub is a perfect tool for your employees to confidentially receive help from the professionals they need, including those specialising in women's health and wellbeing. You can always contact us to request a specific person or a speciality to be added to your hub.
- Adding menstrual products to the bathrooms. Many people experience irregular periods, and accidents can happen even to those with perfectly regular cycles. Having period products in bathrooms can help reduce anxiety and stress from periods.
- Fostering a flexible working model. Working from home, flexible hours and the ability to manage their time, can help caregivers and women with children maintain work-life balance, avoid burnouts and anxiety.
- Scheduling activities, days out and wellbeing training for all your employees. Going out for a hike can be a great way to relax and give your employees a bit of a break from work. Wellbeing focused webinars and talks can teach them tips and tricks on how to improve their mental health and wellbeing (you can always get in touch with us, if you would like to organise one!).