Learn about the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme!
Don't Carry It Alone interviewed Endometriosis UK about the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme!
At Don't Carry It Alone, our commitment extends beyond raising awareness of chronic illnesses in the workplace. We are keen to provide useful resources that employers and employees can utilise to create supportive environments and navigate the complexities of chronic illnesses in the workplace.
As part of what we are doing for Endometriosis Awareness Month, we have partnered with Endometriosis UK to promote their Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. This initiative aims to create supportive work environments that empower employees with Endometriosis to thrive professionally while managing their health. The scheme not only supports employees but also assists employers in creating these supportive work environments where individuals can flourish while managing their health challenges.
We asked Endometriosis UK the following questions about the scheme:
1. What is the Endometriosis Friendly Employer (EFE) scheme?
The Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme is a way for employers confirm their commitment to developing a work environment and culture that enable employees with endometriosis to thrive at work. Through the scheme, Endometriosis UK provides guidance for employers on how to support employees with endometriosis and menstrual health conditions, and work towards improving the work environment in three key areas: Leadership and Management support, tackling stigma and changing culture and lastly communication.
2. For members of the Don't Carry It Alone network considering recommending the scheme to their employer, what would be an effective way to communicate its benefits?
From our work with those with the disease and employers, we believe that by overcoming the challenges individuals may face in the workplace due to lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions, Endometriosis Friendly Employers will see improvements in employee wellbeing, productivity and performance, employee engagement and morale and ultimately staff retention. It’s a no brainer really!
3. What resources do employers receive upon signing up to the scheme?
A certificate to display your commitment
Your organisation’s name on the list of signatories on our website
Quarterly e-newsletters highlighting organisational best practice and keeping you up to date with latest developments
Support for Endometriosis Champions with an induction webinar and dedicated Endometriosis Champions e-updates
A copy of the book ‘Endometriosis: The Experts’ Guide to Treat, Manage and Live well with Your Symptoms’ for information and reference within your organisation
Permission to use the Endometriosis Friendly Employer logo
Invitations to Round Tables and events
Account Management and support
4. Registering for the scheme is the initial step. After enrolment, what actions can employers undertake to further demonstrate support for employees with Endometriosis in the workplace?
We suggest hosting a Lunch and Learn to raise awareness and launch your pledge to becoming an endometriosis friendly employer. There are lots of other small steps you can take such as displaying awareness materials and sending internal comms. We’ve heard of employers getting really creative and making things like an endometriosis themed podcast and hosting Tea for Endo awareness parties. More longer term, we encourage employers to review their policies to ensure they are endometriosis friendly, Endometriosis UK can help with this and the production of guidance documents.
At Don't Carry It Alone, we are proud to collaborate with Endometriosis UK to promote the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. By implementing the recommendations and resources provided by this scheme, employers can create inclusive workplaces where employees with endometriosis feel supported, empowered, and able to thrive both personally and professionally.
We encourage anyone that is part of the Don't Carry It Alone network to advocate for and encourage their employers to consider signing up to the scheme. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals living with endometriosis in the workplace.
To learn more about the EFE scheme, visit here: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-friendly-employers