For many, the symptoms of endometriosis can affect everyday life. It’s not surprising that many living with the disease report that this can have a negative impact on their work. Whether this be due to increased sick leave, reduced work productivity or stress due to worsening symptoms and financial concerns. Everyone with endometriosis deserves to feel supported in the workplace, and we hope that these tips can help.
Time off work may be unavoidable at times. Time off is needed to attend appointments and to recovery from surgery. Flares in pain and symptoms may mean that you are just too unwell to attend work and that’s ok, your health must come first. Treatments may also impact working ability, pain medications may cause drowsiness, hormone treatments can affect mood, some may experience brain fog, and medical menopause has its own complications… this list continues.
So how can endometriosis be managed at work? Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but there are steps you and your employer can take that can help.
- Firstly, do not feel guilty about your health. Raising any issues or health concerns within the workplace can help your employer to understand how they can support you.
- Speak to your manager or someone you trust about endometriosis, your symptoms and how it affects you. Not everyone knows what endometriosis is and increased awareness should create a greater understanding of the condition and its overall impact. You could consider suggesting a Lunch and Learn session hosted by Endometriosis UK to help colleagues better understand the condition.
- Explain how your endometriosis affects you, for example – is it usually worse during a period? Can your symptoms be intermittent? You may find that writing notes to bring with you to an initial chat can help you to remember what you’d like to share.
- It may help to explain your treatment and any side effects, for example, brain fog, drowsiness. You may also discuss upcoming hospital appointments or plans for surgery to future-plan sick leave.
- Discuss any potential adjustments that could be made to improve you working ability, for example, planned breaks, flexible working or remote working to manage flares and prevent unplanned sick leave where possible.
- Consider having a ‘work first aid kit’ with you at work. Kits can contain the things you need to manage your symptoms, such as period products, pain medications, hot water bottle or heat pad, TENS machine etc.
- Discuss your concerns around work with your GP, specialist nurse or gynaecologist. Changes to treatments may help alleviate your symptoms.
- Seek support and advice from unions, HR, occupational health or other organisations within your workplace.
- Signpost you manger to endometriosis information resources for employers including our Employer Resources and Webinars on menstrual health at work. You could even invite them to check out our Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme or invite them to download our Menstrual Health at Work Resources.
- Remember, it may not always be possible for your employer to automatically agree to adjustments or flexible working requests as it may not be possible within the organisation. However, a conversation is the first step to working together towards a more supportive working environment.
If you would like to find out more about your rights at work, please consult our employee rights guide.
As always, if you are struggling and need support, our Peer Support Services and Nurse-led Helpline are here for you.
