What motivated you to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme?
According to Endometriosis UK, 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth suffer from endometriosis and on average, there are 8 years between starting symptoms and receiving a diagnosis. Though there is a common misconception that symptoms only occur once or a twice a month, in some cases debilitating symptoms are a daily occurrence. These stark statistics are what motivated us to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme, as we wanted to help support our employees in every way that we can, whether this be with their physical health, mental health or both.
What steps has Clifford Chance taken so far to demonstrate commitment to the scheme and employees with endometriosis?
Clifford Chance has many different benefits that can help support employees with endometriosis, such as private medical insurance, a private GP service, an onsite psychologist, a life, work and wellbeing service (also known as an employee assistance programme) and occupational health referrals. We are signed up to Peppy Women’s Health, which is a digital health app that can provide personalised and anonymous support with the diagnosis of endometriosis. We have a page on our intranet with all this information, plus general resources, so that someone in need can find everything in one place.
We also have a flexible working policy and endometriosis is recognised as an absence/sickness reason.
Looking ahead, we are planning a lunch and learn session in March for Endometriosis Awareness Month to help reduce the stigma further and will be gauging interest in a drop-in session for colleagues to get together in a confidential environment and discuss their experiences.
We’re encouraging employers across the UK to get involved and pledge their commitment to creating a supportive workplace for employees with endometriosis. What would you say to organisations considering joining the scheme?
Endometriosis can have a huge impact on someone’s quality of life and given the number of women that suffer from this condition, it should be taken seriously so that they have the best possible chance at thriving at work.
Thank you to the team at Clifford Chances for taking steps to create a supportive workplace for those with endometriosis.
Find out more about the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme here.
