Article by Gynaecologist Dr Nitu Bajekal and Nutritionist Rohini Bajekal.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often known as PCOS, affects at least 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and those assigned female at birth.
This complex condition is poorly understood despite how common it is. As an employer, it is almost a given that you will have employees living with symptoms such as irregular periods, acne and infertility, although many will not be aware that this is in fact PCOS – approximately 75% of people with PCOS are not yet diagnosed. Here are some tips to better support people with PCOS in the workplace:
Provide comprehensive healthcare insurance and gym membership to your employees
This employee benefit can be hugely helpful especially if it includes a mental health offering (such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and access to nutrition professionals. This can help with behavioural change and setting healthy nutrition habits. In addition, a gym membership or health plan can be a useful addition as movement has been shown to benefit PCOS in a number of ways – with mental health, improving insulin sensitivity, decreasing androgen levels and helping maintain a healthy weight.
Allow time off for medical appointments
Ensure that employees are allowed to take time off to attend doctors’ appointments. PCOS is associated with a higher risk of issues such as infertility, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, type 2 diabetes, womb cancer, pregnancy complications and possibly cardiovascular disease. Going through IVF is incredibly time-consuming and stressful so an understanding employer makes a huge difference.
Ensure you have a flexible work-from-home policy
This is hugely beneficial to so many people, especially anyone who has a chronic condition such as PCOS. Symptoms such as irregular periods, fatigue and anxiety can mean that life is unpredictable and having the option to work from home can offer some leeway and flexibility.
Implement a health and wellbeing programme
This is a great way to encourage healthy practices among employees. For example, offering a mindfulness sessions or yoga class at lunchtimes, complimentary fresh fruit in the office and educational talks. A wellness programme has also been shown to improve motivation and productivity. Within this, you could also feature talks on menstrual health and related health issues to raise awareness of conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis.
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Make the office as accessible as possible and stock menstrual products in the bathrooms
As one of the most common symptoms of PCOS is irregular periods, people with the condition may suddenly come onto their period when they least expect it. Ensuring washrooms are clean, private and well-stocked with menstrual products is a good way to show consideration to anyone who menstruates. Also ensure the office is access-friendly (e.g. having a lift rather than just stairs) and has comfy seating for when people need a moment to rest.
Encourage compassionate dialogue and a supportive atmosphere
Every individual with PCOS has a different experience and symptoms. Encourage line managers to support their teams and set a positive example. For example, avoiding commenting on people’s physical appearances (such as weight), gossip and any harmful behaviour that is often seen in workplaces. Many people with PCOS struggle as the symptoms of the condition are stigmatised – from weight gain to acne to excess hair growth – so offering support is essential. Everyone in the workplace should feel included and accepted so ensuring your office is a safe space for all genders should be a priority, as PCOS also affects non-binary and trans people.
Therefore, while PCOS is often dealt with behind the scenes by individuals, employers can help support those living with the condition by ensuring they have policies and practices that do not discriminate but instead actively support employees’ health and wellbeing. Most importantly, listening to employees who have PCOS and taking their feedback on board can make a profound difference to their quality of life, both in the workplace and outside.
