How Employers Can Support Employees with Endometriosis: A Practical Guide
Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth. Despite its prevalence, it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-supported chronic conditions in the workplace.
Often dismissed as "just bad periods," endometriosis is far more complex. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. While the exact cause is still unknown, researchers believe it may be linked to genetic, hormonal, and immune system factors. This tissue can cause adhesions, organ damage, inflammation, scarring, and chronic pain, particularly during menstruation, but symptoms can appear at any time.
Symptoms of endometriosis vary widely and may include:
Pelvic pain often likened to labour or a heart attack
Chronic fatigue
Heavy or irregular bleeding
Digestive and bladder issues
Brain fog
Fainting, nausea, or vomiting
These symptoms can be unpredictable and debilitating. For many, endometriosis affects not just physical health but mental wellbeing, career progression, and the ability to show up at work without fear or shame.
Yet, most workplaces are not set up to support employees with endometriosis.
This article outlines evidence-based, actionable strategies for HR leaders, managers, and business owners to build a more inclusive, period-positive, and endometriosis-friendly work culture.
1. Raise Awareness and Normalise Menstrual Health Conversations
Creating a supportive workplace for people with endometriosis starts with awareness. Menstrual health should not be a taboo subject. Including endometriosis in your broader Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion EDI strategy signals that your organisation supports the real needs of its team.
Add menstrual health education to wellness programs and employee onboarding
Include endometriosis awareness in internal communications
Mark Endometriosis Awareness Month (March) with events or resources
Encourage leaders to model openness around health and flexibility
2. Designate a Safe Contact Person
Employees managing chronic conditions like endometriosis need someone they can speak to in confidence. Assign one or more trusted individuals in HR or management as a safe point of contact.
This creates space for open, stigma-free conversations about workplace accommodations.
3. Offer Personalised Care Plans
As with other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, a tailored care plan can make all the difference.
For employees with endometriosis, this might include:
A quiet place to rest during flare-ups
Work-from-home options on bad pain days
Flexible start and finish times
A clear emergency procedure
These adjustments require minimal resources but can significantly improve employee wellbeing and productivity.
4. Make Facilities Period-Friendly
Practical facilities support matters. Ensure all bathrooms have:
Free sanitary products
Lidded disposal bins
Sufficient privacy and cleanliness
These small details signal respect and dignity for employees managing menstruation-related conditions.
5. Ask What Support They Need
No two people with endometriosis experience it in the same way. The most effective thing a workplace can do is simply ask.
Open the door for individual conversations. Support could include:
Ergonomic seating
Access to hot water bottles or medication
Reduced workloads during flare-ups
Extra time off following hospital appointments
These accommodations are not costly, but the impact is profound.
Chronic Pain Requires More Than Just Tolerance
Employees living with endometriosis often work twice as hard just to keep up. They show up with strength, resilience, and determination.
Imagine how much more they could contribute if they felt truly supported.
At ENdi, we help companies take proactive steps to support menstrual and chronic health conditions in the workplace. We offer discounted app subscriptions for teams so you can provide real tools and daily support to staff managing endometriosis, PMDD, PCOS, and more.
To enquire and learn more, please email: info@myendiapp.com
