07 Aug 2023
The book Men are from Mars and Women from Venus by John Gray states that the most common reason for the differences between men and women is a result of psychological difference between the sexes.
This is my third and final article on Health in the workplace which draws a conclusion from my last two articles
Workplace health and safety are vital considerations for any organisation, as they directly impact employee well-being and productivity. However, it is crucial to recognise that men and women may experience different health challenges in the workplace. This blog aims to compare the differences between men and women’s workplace health in the context of the UK, shedding light on the unique factors affecting each gender.
Physical Health: Men and women often differ in their physical health needs and vulnerabilities at work. For instance, certain industries, such as construction and manufacturing, are traditionally male-dominated and may expose men to a higher risk of physical injuries, including falls, strains, and machinery accidents. There is also a higher of back pain and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, women may face different hazards, such as ergonomic issues due to poor workstation design or repetitive strain injuries from tasks requiring fine motor skills.
Mental Health: Work-related stress and mental health concerns are significant issues for both genders. However, studies suggest that women may be more susceptible to workplace stress due to factors such as unequal pay, gender discrimination, and work-life balance challenges. Additionally, women are more likely to experience mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, which can be exacerbated by workplace stressors. Conversely, men may be less likely to seek help or disclose their mental health concerns, leading to underreporting and potential neglect of their well-being.
Healthcare Access: Access to healthcare services is another important aspect to consider. Women may require specialised health services such as reproductive health screenings, pre- and post-natal care, and menopause support. Workplace policies that accommodate such needs, including flexible working hours and adequate breaks, can significantly contribute to women’s health and productivity. Men may require targeted health interventions including prostate cancer screening as this is the common cancer in men, with an estimated 1.4 million new cases diagnosed globally in 2020 alone (World Health Organisation 2021). Counselling services should be made available to all, emphasising the importance of gender-sensitive healthcare provisions.
Conclusion: Recognising and addressing the unique health challenges faced by men and women in the workplace is crucial for fostering a safe and inclusive working environment. By considering the physical, mental, socio-cultural, and healthcare access differences between genders, employers can implement targeted employee benefit strategies to promote the well-being of all their employees.
Contact Wingate Benefit Solutions for an Employee Benefit Review to ensure you are taking into account all the issues highlighted in this series of blogs @ info@wingatebs.com or phone on 01883 332260
References: 1. World Health Organisation https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_1
