5 Tips to Navigate Endometriosis in the Workplace

Introduction

Endometriosis is a whole-body, chronic inflammatory condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, is found in other parts of the body. As a whole body disease, it can impact every facet of person’s life, including their ability to attend work and be productive whilst there.

This blog focuses on tips that can help you navigate the workplace as someone with endometriosis.

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Tip 1: Educate Yourself and Your Employer

Endometriosis is a condition impacting 1 in 7 people assigned female at birth, making it more common in Australian women than diabetes. The more your workplace knows about this condition, the better they can be there when you need it, and understand how it may impact your ability to attend and complete your work.

Actionable advice: Provide your workplace with reliable resources, highlighting what endometriosis is, the challenges people face, and how best to support someone in the workplace with this condition.

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Tip 2: Create a flexible work plan

Endometriosis can be unpredictable, meaning you may need a plan A, plan B and plan C. Discuss with your colleagues and your direct line manager.

Actionable advice: Things to discuss include the ability to change your environment (work from home vs. in the office), flexibility in hours (can you work more in the afternoon if you are having a morning flare or have a doctors appointment), and flexibility in accessories (you read that right! The option to have your heat pack or TENs machine attached).

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Tip 3: Create a Comfortable Work Environment

Small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort levels and knowing that you have what you need at the office can do wonders for your emotional reassurance

Actionable advice: Ensure your workspace supports your physical needs. This might include ergonomic furniture, access to a private space for breaks, or keeping items like your heat pack or TEN’s unit at your desk.

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Tip 4: Communicate with Colleagues

Open communication can foster understanding and support. By sharing your experiences with your colleagues, it not only helps them support you but also other people with endometriosis they may know.

• Actionable Advice: Be honest with your close colleagues about your condition and how it affects you. This can help build a supportive network and reduce misunderstandings.

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Tip 5: Practice Self-Care and Stress Management

Managing stress and prioritising self-care are essential for coping with endometriosis. By dedicating time to self-care and stress management, you are much more likely to be more productive at work.

• Actionable Advice: Incorporate stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, regular breaks, and proper hydration into your workday. Seek professional support if needed.

Conclusion

Practicing self care and boundaries extends beyond what happens at home, but in to the work place. As a community, we spend a lot of time at work, meaning it is important to identify strategies to navigate managing symptoms in the workplace, enhancing overall productivity.

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Resources:

Safe Work Australia- https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/Supporting workers with endometriosis in the workplace UD.PDF

Article- Endometriosis in the workplace: Lessons from Australia’s response to COVID‐19- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9011865/

Advice for bosses- https://www.endozone.com.au/advice-bosses

EndoAware Workplace Acreditation- https://endometriosisaustralia.org/endo-at-work-program/

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Author- Joanna Morris (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Co-founder Matilda)