In today's competitive business landscape, organizations continuously strive to
Workplace support benefits everyone, enhancing both performance and well-being. Hormonal health plays a key role in overall wellness, affecting mood, energy, and cognitive function. By fostering hormonal balance through nutrition, flexible policies, and wellness resources, employers can help all employees thrive and perform at their best.
Our recent survey reveals that over half of women would consider leaving their current jobs for workplaces that offer better hormonal health support. This alarming statistic underscores the pressing need for employers to rethink their approach to supporting female employees.
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Hormonal health: A workplace concern
The survey, which involved 2,100 women, found that 51.9% of respondents would be willing to quit their jobs for one that offers practices and policies to better manage hormonal health. This finding is not just a statistic; it reflects a growing demand for workplaces to address the unique health needs of women, who make up nearly half of the global workforce.
Women are inherently strong and resilient, capable of excelling in every aspect of work. Hormonal health plays a natural role in influencing energy, focus, mental well-being, and productivity. By providing the right support, employers can optimize overall well-being, enabling women to perform at their highest potential — not because they need compensation, but because they deserve the tools to thrive.
According to our survey, 85.9% of respondents experienced a decline in overall energy and focus due to their menstrual cycles. Additionally, 56.9% reported a negative impact on their mental well-being, while 52.7% experienced heightened stress levels. These figures are significant as they represent real challenges that affect millions of women every month, often without adequate support from their employers.
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The role of nutrition in hormonal health
Despite widespread awareness of the benefits of a balanced diet and good nutrition in alleviating menstrual symptoms — 82% of respondents acknowledged this — workplace support remains insufficient.
The connection between nutrition and hormonal health is well-documented. Hormones play a critical role in regulating mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. When hormonal health is compromised, it can lead to a range of issues, from fatigue and irritability to more severe conditions like hormonal imbalances and reproductive health disorders.
Our Hormonal Balance meal plan is a step in the right direction. Eating nutritious foods rich in fiber, protein and healthy fats helps our bodies balance our hormone levels better and increase our overall well-being in the process. The meal plan simplifies this by providing three weeks worth of easy-to-follow recipes with an accompanying grocery list for ease. Eating towards better hormonal balance is not only a benefit for the individual, but also an advantage for organizations that wish to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.
The lack of workplace support
Despite the clear need for support, our survey revealed that 70.4% of women reported that their workplaces do not offer any support for hormonal health. This includes a lack of flexible work hours, educational resources, access to wellness apps, or even basic provisions like free menstrual products. The absence of such support is not just a missed opportunity; it is a critical oversight that can lead to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and ultimately, a loss of valuable talent.
The data also showed that 83.9% of women admitted to continuing work despite feeling unwell due to menstrual symptoms. This "grin and bear it" approach is unsustainable and highlights the urgent need for workplaces to adopt more supportive policies.
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Nutrition as a workplace initiative: A call to action
Our survey reveals a strong demand for improved hormonal health support in the workplace. Key findings include 72% of respondents seeking flexible work arrangements, 60.3% advocating for dedicated leave days, 56.2% requesting free sanitary products, and 29.8% desiring access to wellness apps. These requests reflect a baseline expectation for modern workplaces, aiming to enhance inclusivity and equity.
To address hormonal health effectively, employers should integrate nutrition into their support strategies. Here are key actions to consider:
- Implement a "hold her health" policy: This policy should offer flexible work hours, expanded healthcare coverage, paid leave for conditions like menopause and endometriosis, and support for pregnancy and fertility challenges. It should also include options for job-sharing, reduced hours, workplace accommodations, and educational resources.
- Healthy meal options: Provide on-site cafeterias (or catering services) and options in the office providing hormone-supportive foods rich in omega-3s, fiber, magnesium, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Access to healthy eating apps like Lifesum can further personalize nutrition advice. food/bev options in the office that are loaded with things like essential vitamins and minerals,
- Educational workshops: Organize seminars to educate employees on nutrition's role in hormonal health. Utilize resources like Lifesum for personalized diet and exercise advice.
- Dietary support programs: Partner with wellness providers to offer consultations with registered dietitians or nutritionists, empowering employees to make informed dietary choices that support hormonal balance.
The business case for supporting hormonal health
Supporting hormonal health is a strategic move that boosts organizational performance. Better nutritional support leads to improved mood, energy, and productivity, while reducing absenteeism and turnover. In a competitive job market, employers who offer comprehensive wellness options attract and retain top talent, fostering a culture of well-being that benefits everyone.
