This checklist will assist you in providing a supportive workplace for women experiencing gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids, and in addressing the barriers they face. This is a collective issue and collaboration between workplace reps, health and safety reps, leaders, governors and a staff support network can go a long way towards creating a supportive environment for women experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids in the workplace, whether diagnosed or not, and to keeping them in work.
A supportive working culture and environment for women and students with gynaecological conditions will benefit the whole school/college community.
Areas to consider:
- are senior leaders aware of the impact that endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids can have on women workers? Have you offered training?
- do you have protocols in place for any staff members who need to use the toilet/washroom during lesson time?
- are facilities available in the workplace for staff to discreetly change clothes if necessary?
- do your health and safety risk assessments assess risks relating to women’s gynaecological health and set out appropriate preventative measures?
- do you have a disability leave policy in place in your school/college? Visit neu.org.uk/latest/library/disability-leave-model-policy
- do you encourage staff to complete a reasonable adjustments disability passport for use in the workplace so that they do not have to continually repeat their reasons for requiring adjustments? (This will be beneficial and time saving to senior staff as well as classroom and other workers)
- is paid time off for medical appointments allowed for all staff, as well as sickness/disability leave?
- do your health and safety risk assessments and policies include issues relating to women’s gynaecological health?
- do your senior leaders have an open-door policy for staff to discuss their access needs and to request reasonable adjustments?
- has any staff training been offered to ensure better understanding of the impact of endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids on both staff and students, for example during exams or toilet passes for class?
- is support in place within your school/college MAT for staff members living with chronic pain from these or other conditions, recognising the mental health impact that this can have?
Actions for leaders:
- adopt and embed the ‘areas to consider’ listed above
- consider joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme to show commitment to creating supportive workplaces
- grant flexible working requests
- provide a private and safe space for workers experiencing pain or severe symptoms which is separate from the student medical room
- place literature and guidance on chronic menstrual health conditions on staff intranets and in staff and student toilets