A recent study found that a quarter of women would feel uncomfortable telling their boss the truth if they were sick due to women’s health issues.

The study, of 2,000 women, found that 41% would be too embarrassed to reveal the real reason for their illness, while 27% feared judgment from their manager.

Common issues like vaginal infections, pelvic floor disorders, and sexual health are topics women would rather not discuss with their boss. Instead, two-thirds used a headache or stomach problem as an excuse.

Pallavi Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of AXA Health, who commissioned the study, said: “As an employee, it can be difficult to talk about your personal health at work, particularly if it is a conversation about women’s health.”

“But feeling unwell at work due to a woman’s health problem, whether it’s morning sickness, period pain or menopausal symptoms, should be viewed in the same way as for a migraine or a virus disease.”

The study also found that 49% think they should have taken time off for a women’s health issue in the past, but didn’t because they feared falling behind or being seen as unreliable .

A fifth of employees feel pressure to “keep going” at their workplace, with 16% concerned that taking sick leave could hinder their career progression, while 19% say their current workplace is not supportive. addressing women’s health issues.

Therefore, our 10 respondents believe that more supportive leadership would foster an environment in which women feel comfortable discussing health issues.

There is some positive news, however, as more than two-thirds of respondents agree that changes in workplace culture over the past decade have made it easier to discuss women’s health issues.

Pallavi Bradshaw, of AXA Health, said: “Companies are making great strides in supporting women in the workplace, but these results show there is still more to do. »

“It is important that employers are aware of the scale and severity of the challenges women may face, and the impact this may have on them at work.”

She concluded: “Having women in the workplace is a win-win situation for women and businesses. It is therefore essential that we create workplaces that are both inclusive and productive. »