Health Problems of Female Employees and Ways to Support Health at Work

Today, women are increasing their workforce participation rates and taking on important roles in various sectors. However, the health problems faced by women in business life should not be ignored. In order for women to be healthier and more productive in business life, workplaces need to be sensitive to health issues.

The most common reasons why female employees receive sick leave are generally based on various physical, psychological and social factors. Here is an itemized list of these reasons and some of our resources:

1. Gynecological Problems:

   • Gynecological diseases, menstrual disorders, menopause, cysts and other gynecological problems may cause frequent sick leave. Source: Turkish Gynecology and Obstetrics Association

2. Pregnancy and Birth:

   • During pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum periods, women often need sick leave. Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

3. Psychological Health Problems:

   • Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and stress are common among female employees. Source: American Psychological Association (APA)

4. Musculoskeletal System Disorders:

   • Disorders that occur especially as a result of desk jobs, jobs that require heavy lifting, and repetitive movements. Source: Ulusal Meslek Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kurumu

5. Urinary Tract Infections:

   • Urinary tract infections, which are more common in women, may cause loss of labor. Source: Mayo Clinic

6. Chest Diseases:

   • Breast cancer and other breast diseases are one of the reasons for sickness notice in women. Source: American Cancer Society

7. Kronik Hastalıklar:

   • Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

8. Migraine and Headaches:

   • Migraine and severe headaches, which are more common in women. Source: Migraine Research Foundation

9. Sexually transmitted diseases:

   • Sexual health problems are one of the reasons women report. Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

10. Autoimmune Diseases:

    • Diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are more common in women. Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Physical Health Problems

One of the main physical health problems of female employees is musculoskeletal disorders caused by situations such as sitting or standing for long periods of time. Especially women who work at a desk may frequently encounter back and neck pain. These problems can be caused by factors such as non-ergonomic work environments or irregular working hours. Employers providing ergonomic working conditions and taking regular breaks play an important role in preventing these problems.

Mental and Emotional Health

Work stress can also negatively impact the mental and emotional health of female employees. Factors such as intense work schedule, social relationships at work, and family responsibilities can increase stress, which can lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. It is important for employers to support employees in improving their stress management skills by offering wellness programs and counseling services.

Women's Special Health Problems

The hormonal changes that women experience during the reproductive period and the effects of these changes on business life are also important issues. Conditions such as menstrual health problems, pregnancy and postpartum recovery may affect the job performance of female employees. Employers' support for these processes with practices such as flexible working hours and breastfeeding rooms can help female employees achieve work-private life balance.

Health Incentive Programs

Workplace health promotion programs can help female employees maintain and improve their health. Practices such as exercise supports, healthy nutrition counseling, and regular health screenings support both physical and mental health. In addition, health insurance and easy access to health services at the workplace make it easier for employees to cope with health problems.

Health problems of female employees can directly affect productivity and satisfaction in business life. Therefore, it is of great importance for employers to keep health and safety standards in the workplace high and to develop approaches that are sensitive to the health needs of their employees. Creating a work environment that is sensitive to the health problems of female employees both increases workplace performance and improves the quality of life of employees.

Psychological Problems and Solutions of Working Women

Today, women are increasing their participation in the workforce and taking on various responsibilities in business life. However, business life may also present some special psychological challenges for women. In this article, we will focus on the psychological problems that women may encounter in business life and ways to cope with these problems.

Work Stress and Management

Women can often face different challenges when they have to deal with work stress. Work stress can be caused by various factors such as intense work schedule, project processes, relationships at work or family responsibilities. Improving stress management skills enables female employees to respond more effectively to such stressors. It is an important step for employers to provide training and support to their employees on stress coping techniques.

Work and Private Life Balance

Women can often experience difficulties in balancing their work life with their family and social lives. Especially women who have children may feel under pressure from time to time while juggling work and family responsibilities. Support programs such as flexible working hours, remote working opportunities, and child care are among the solutions employers can provide. Such support can help female employees maintain work-life balance.

Injustice and Harassment in the Workplace

Women may also have to deal with injustices or harassment they face in the workplace. Situations such as gender discrimination, unequal opportunities or sexual harassment can seriously affect the psychological health of female employees. It is important for employers to establish gender equality policies, provide a transparent and fair working environment, and effectively combat situations such as harassment. Additionally, employees should be provided with a safe environment to report such situations and receive support.

Psychological Support and Counseling

Employers can offer a variety of resources to protect and support employees' psychological health. Practices such as psychological counseling services, stress management programs, mindfulness and meditation sessions can support the emotional and mental well-being of employees. Additionally, creating social support networks in the workplace can also strengthen employees' psychological health.

The psychological difficulties women face in business life can affect job performance and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is of great importance that employers take an active role in protecting the psychological health of their employees and create a supportive work environment. Support provided to female employees to cope with psychological problems is a critical element for long-term success at both individual and corporate levels.