Beyond awareness: How employers can support those with chronic health conditions like PCOS
As part of PCOS Awareness Month, we take a look at the ways employers can help support colleagues with chronic conditions like PCOS
Produced by: Dr Tayyibah Ali
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common incurable hormone conditions affecting women of reproductive age, yet it remains widely misunderstood and often unrecognised in the workplace. It is a lifelong condition that despite its name is a whole-body condition, affecting multiple systems, putting those diagnosed with it at high risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and more.[1,2] Since every individual presents differently, there is no ‘one size fits all’ management for this condition. It’s crucial to shine a light on the hidden struggles that people with PCOS face and explore how employers can create a more supportive and inclusive environment. As we acknowledge PCOS awareness month throughout September, it’s important to take proactive steps to support those with PCOS in the workplace so that all employees, regardless of their health challenges may thrive.
The hidden struggles of PCOS
PCOS affects up to 13% of women with an estimated 70% of women undiagnosed worldwide.[1] It manifests through a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity. There are too many symptoms to list, but we will mention a few. Apart from visible symptoms such as weight gain, hirsutism and acne, there are many hidden struggles faced by those with PCOS, such as infertility and irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue and sleep disturbances as well as significant mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm.[2–4]
The chronic, complex and incurable nature of PCOS means that people who have it must manage these symptoms throughout their lives, often while balancing the demands of work and personal life. Many women with PCOS struggle silently, facing physical discomfort and emotional stress that can impact their productivity, mental health, and overall well-being.
Despite its prevalence, PCOS is frequently misunderstood, leading to a lack of awareness and support in the workplace. The stigma and lack of understanding surrounding PCOS can make it difficult for employees to disclose their condition and seek the accommodations they need.
What can employers do to support employees with PCOS?
To create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for employees with PCOS, employers can take several key actions:
Raise awareness: Employers can start by increasing awareness of PCOS within the organization through informational sessions, sharing resources about the condition, and encouraging compassionate dialogue about chronic health issues.
Flexible working arrangements: Many women with PCOS experience fatigue, pain, and other symptoms that can make it challenging to maintain a traditional work schedule. Offering flexible working hours or remote work options can help employees manage their symptoms more effectively while maintaining their productivity.[5]
Health benefits and resources: Employers can support employees with PCOS by providing health benefits that cover access to mental health and well-being initiatives.
Create a supportive work culture: Through training and awareness, encourage a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their health needs without fear of judgment or discrimination.
At Mednet, diversity and inclusion are built into our DNA, we put people at the heart of innovation, and the "i" in innovation stands for inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all employees feel supported, which includes those with chronic health conditions like PCOS. We offer a range of well-being activities, such as our mental health support group, regular well-being sessions, and fitness activities like run-club and yoga. We offer access to professional mental health services through our work benefit schemes as well as flexible and remote working options.
These initiatives not only promote physical health but also provide much-needed mental health support, which is vital for those managing chronic conditions. At Mednet, we are committed to inclusion and innovation, ensuring that every employee has the support they need to succeed. To find out more about our initiatives and the work we do, visit our website.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). Polycystic ovary syndrome Factsheet. 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.
Verity. About PCOS. Available at: https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/.
Standeven LR, et al. Bridging the Gap: Integrating Awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Into Mental Health Practice. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2024 Jan;22(1):53–62.
Williams S, et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): A Community-Based Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(6):1118.
Forbes. The Surprising Truth About Chronic Illness And The Future Of Work. 2019. https://www.forbes.com/sites/manondefelice/2019/09/04/the-surprising-truth-about-chronic-illness-and-the-future-of-work/.
