On Wednesday 25 January 2023, we hosted our first Reproductive Health roundtable event in conjunction with the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, as part of our periodic Business Briefings.
The aim of the session was to create a safe space for our guests to engage with the conversation around reproductive health in the workplace. We discussed a wide range of topics affecting employees in the workplace including:
- Menstrual health;
- Fertility;
- Baby Loss;
- Hidden Conditions;
- Pregnancy and Maternity; and
- Menopause.
The common themes arising from the discussion included:
- The importance of training and equipping managers with the tools to have difficult conversations relating to reproductive health, without feeling uncomfortable or shying away from the issues.
- The importance of including the impact on partners when considering the company’s policies and approach to these sensitive issues in the workplace.
- The fact that whilst the Government’s response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s proposals on Menopause in the Workplace was in some respects disappointing, employers can still (of their own volition) introduce their own policies and procedures to tackle stigma and to provide employees with more support around these issues.
- The significant impact and interaction of reproductive health on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
We were joined by Sarah Coulson of Halcyon Therapies Ltd, who shared her own experiences of her reproductive health journey and has founded her own business to provide holistic treatments, education and training specifically focusing on Endometriosis.
Sarah’s key message to employers was that they need to start the conversation with their employees about reproductive health in the workplace; “Many of the personal stories that were shared during the business briefing were reflective of the conversations that I have had with clients, but nobody is talking about them to their employer or in the workplace. I really enjoyed the session and it was great to see the attendees empowered to share their stories. The stress and anxiety that stems from these issues can result in employees becoming isolated and lonely, which further undermines their mental health and wellbeing - this is one of the biggest challenges that I help my clients to address in the workplace. In my view, we need to talk more about women’s health at work.”
Catherine Lawrenson, from the NWL Chamber of Commerce said: “Alongside Brabners, the Chamber has been pleased to encourage discussion around such important issues including reproductive health in the workplace and to consider how businesses can work with HR to implement the right strategies to raise awareness and better support their employees. The ‘Business Briefings’ provide HR professionals and business owners with key insights and information which they can implement within their own businesses to ensure employee wellbeing and business protection”.
We recognise that many organisations are only just beginning to explore these issues, however, we hope that by starting and engaging with the conversation, we will be able to spread the message and inspire employers to take proactive steps in tackling the stigma and breaking down barriers for employees in the workplace.
We will be continuing the conversation at our upcoming reproductive health panel event, taking place on Thursday 16 March 2023. This is a hybrid event, being held in person at our brand-new Manchester Offices and via Teams for those who cannot attend in person. It will feature a panel of knowledgeable and experienced organisations, including members of our very own reproductive health team. To find out more details and to secure your place at our upcoming panel event, please click here to register now.
