For half of French people, companies must support employees with endometriosis

Endometriosis affects at least one in ten menstruating women and is characterized by painful migration of endometrial cells (the lining that covers the uterus) outside the uterine cavity. Passed in silence for centuries, this gynecological disease now enjoys significant media coverage and is becoming increasingly well known to the general public. According to a new survey, 83% of people have already heard of this disease and 47% even say they “know very well” what it is. But there is still a long way to go for optimal care of patients, especially in the business world. This is precisely what is demonstrated by this survey carried out by the Foundation for Research on Endometriosis and published on the occasion of the 19th European Week for Prevention and Information on Endometriosis (6-12 March).

Although not affected by the condition, women who took part in the survey were asked to consider how they would react to their business if they had endometriosis. While 33% of them believe that they would consider telling their employer, 31% assume on the contrary that they would prefer to keep quiet, while 36% admit that they do not know how they would act in this type of situation. These hesitations can be explained, according to the respondents, by the fear of being held back in their careers (23%) or by the impression that such an approach would be in vain (23%).

According to the answers of the participants, however, more than half (53%) consider that companies have an important role to play in supporting people with endometriosis (only 17% think that this is not the responsibility of the ’employer). “We observe a difference in vision between the generations, in particular with the 18-34 year olds, who are 64% to think that companies must set up aid and support, while the 55-75 year olds are not necessarily against but are proportionally more likely to be undecided (40% vs 30% overall and 17% for 18-34 year olds)”, notes the survey.

Among the measures suggested in the survey for better care of employees with endometriosis, first and foremost are greater flexibility in office hours (55%) as well as in the days of teleworking (62%) or also the introduction of menstrual leave (45%). The need to train managers and to carry out awareness campaigns around the disease among employees is also approved by 30% of respondents, while 20% validate the effectiveness of the implementation of certain systems such as health cells. listening or mentoring for people affected by the disease.