Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often known as PCOS, affects at least 1 in 10 women, trans men and non-binary people. Common symptoms include irregular periods, acne, excess facial and body hair, weight gain and difficulty getting pregnant. 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 PCOS and coping with difficult symptoms in the workplace. Many will also not be aware that they have PCOS – approximately 75% of those with PCOS are not yet diagnosed- however, that does not mean that they should not receive support. Here are some tips to better support people with PCOS in the workplace as well as those with other chronic health issues:
Provide comprehensive healthcare insurance and gym membership to your employees
These employee benefits can be hugely helpful, especially if they include a mental health offering, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). A gym membership or health plan can be useful to support your employees’ health and well-being. Movement has been shown to benefit those with PCOS in a number of ways – with mental health, increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing androgen levels and improving cardiometabolic health. In addition, this can help set healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits by promoting behaviour change.
Ensure you have a flexible work-from-home policy
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. A work-from-home policy can be incredibly beneficial to so many people, but especially anyone living with a chronic condition such as PCOS.
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 depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, type 2 diabetes, womb cancer, infertility, pregnancy complications and possibly cardiovascular disease. Being able to take the time to attend appointments can support your employees in coming to work healthier, happier, and more productive. For those struggling with fertility, going through IVF is incredibly time-consuming and stressful. An understanding employer can make a huge difference to the burden of fertility treatments.
Implement a health and wellbeing programme
Wellness programmes have been shown to improve motivation and productivity. Offers could include mindfulness sessions or yoga classes at lunchtimes, complimentary fresh fruit in the office, plant-based and alcohol-free options at office lunches and educational talks. You could also feature talks on menstrual health and related health issues to raise awareness of conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and menopause. Remember to ask employees what they are interested in and to collect feedback on events.
Stock menstrual products in the bathrooms
As one of the most common symptoms of PCOS is irregular periods, employees may suddenly come onto their period when they least expect it. Ensuring washrooms are clean, private and well-stocked with menstrual products (both tampons and pads) is a good way to show consideration to anyone who menstruates.
Encourage compassionate dialogue and a supportive atmosphere
Every individual with PCOS has a different experience and symptoms. Many women with PCOS struggle as the symptoms of the condition are stigmatised – from weight gain to acne to excess hair growth. Offering support is essential. 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 other potentially harmful behaviour. Everyone in the workplace should feel included and accepted – it should be a safe space for all genders.
While PCOS can seem invisible and is often dealt with in private, employers can help support those living with the condition by ensuring they have policies and practices that actively support employees’ health and well-being. 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.
If you would like to enquire or book a nutrition talk or wellness event for your organisation, please contact me via rohinibajekal.com or email rohinibajekal@gmail.com
My book, Living PCOS Free, is available in the UK, USA and several other countries.
