In the video game and creative industries, there has been a step in the right direction when it comes to looking after the women on our teams, although, there is still some way to go when it comes to better understanding women's health and how this could impact their day to day working schedule.

Women's health encompasses a wide variety of issues that can significantly impact their experience at work. From menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, all the way through to PCOS, endometriosis or various cancers and beyond - these health concerns can be overlooked or misunderstood. A lack of support or understanding can lead to increased stress, absenteeism and decreased job satisfaction. By fostering a work environment that not only acknowledges these areas, but sets in motion relevant lines of support and resources, your business can send a powerful message about respect for women's health and wellbeing. 

How can you do this?

Create open lines of communication by encouraging open dialogue around women's health in the workplace. Develop channels for employees to share their experiences and needs without fear of stigma or judgment. This could include setting up dedicated forums, regular health-focused workshops, or one-on-one check-ins with HR. When employees feel heard, they are more likely to remain engaged and loyal to the organisation.

Establish better policies that support flexible working hours, remote work and leave for health-related issues. Menstrual leave, compassionate leave for pregnancy loss, and accommodations for symptoms related to menopause are all excellent ways to acknowledge the specific needs of female employees. Offering these policies promotes a workplace culture that values employee health and takes it seriously.

Support mental health by ensuring access to mental health resources such as EAPs, ERGs, counselling services or mental health days. Integrating mental health support is a proactive way to encourage wellness across all areas of an employee’s life.

Provide relevant resources by offering regular workshops or seminars on specific women's health topics, and be sure to offer this to your entire company as it is super important to engage and educate allies along the way! Additionally, providing resources such as access to women’s health specialists or connections to local support groups can be invaluable. Health education not only empowers employees to take charge of their health but also promotes understanding and empathy among team members.

Consider introducing a 'Life Happens' policy, which addresses specifics around women's health, including the menopause, which may also affect those assigned female at birth. In addition, it can also cover events that may require extended periods of absence or temporary changes to daily routines for men and those assigned male at birth. This policy can also cover support available during major life transitions, such as relocation, marriage, separation, divorce and long term caregiving or elder care support, as well as matters such as domestic violence, substance abuse & addiction and financial hardship.

What to know more about a 'Life Happens' policy? We've got you covered! Fresh Seed offer both templates and training sessions for businesses who want to introduce a 'Life Happens' policy! Reach out to us on info@freshseed.co.uk

Supporting women's health, specifically in the workplace, helps create a fundamental step towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate working environment. As the video game and creative sectors continue to grow, so too does their responsibility in setting a positive example for other sectors. By looking after the women within our workforces, companies can improve the lives of their employees, strengthen their culture and ultimately, contribute to more equitable industries!