Endometriosis is a long-term medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, digestive and urinary issues, and challenges with fertility. It affects around 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, or about 190 million women. The condition often impacts women during key career stages, such as starting a job, taking on new responsibilities, or seeking promotions. Symptoms like pain and fatigue can make it difficult to commute, stand for long periods, attend long meetings, or stay focused at work.
A recent international study across ten countries found that endometriosis can reduce both quality of life and professional productivity. On average, affected individuals lose about 10.8 hours per week due to "presenteeism"—the phenomenon of being physically present at work but limited in performance due to pain or fatigue. Because endometriosis is often invisible, colleagues may not recognize the severity of the condition. As a result, employees may avoid asking for flexible hours or remote work during painful episodes, fearing they might be seen as less reliable or committed.
In France, a national strategy launched in 2022 acknowledges the impact of endometriosis on professional life. The strategy aims to raise awareness among employers, human resources managers, and occupational health professionals. Managers are not expected to diagnose the condition or ask employees to share medical records. Instead, they are encouraged to listen to employees, foster open communication, and guide them to appropriate resources. Only the occupational health physician is authorized to assess and recommend workplace adaptations.
A study supported by the EndoFrance association, involving 650 women with endometriosis, explored how they perceive their employer's support. Women who felt their employer cared about their well-being, recognized their contributions, and was willing to help during difficult times reported better work and personal well-being. However, only 38% of participants felt satisfied with their current work situation, and 25% said they might leave their jobs soon. While these results are not fully generalizable, they highlight that for some women, endometriosis can pose a challenge to maintaining employment.
The study aligns with broader research showing that feeling valued and supported at work is linked to more positive attitudes and a lower likelihood of leaving a job. The article also discusses "job crafting"—the practice of actively adapting one’s work to better manage health conditions. This might include working remotely during painful episodes, adjusting schedules, avoiding certain travel, taking breaks, or considering part-time work. Over half of the study participants desired more teleworking opportunities, and 31% considered part-time work to better manage their condition.
However, the study notes that workplace adjustments alone may not fully explain the link between organizational support and well-being. Changes like remote work or flexible hours can be ineffective if the employee feels judged, isolated, or concerned about their career prospects. The perception of an adjustment as a favor or a legitimate response to a health issue can influence how it is received.
The article offers practical steps for employers to support employees with endometriosis, including raising awareness about the condition, training managers to listen and guide employees, and making workplace adjustments accessible. These changes should be tailored to individual needs and avoid social exclusion, career stagnation, or suspicion of reduced commitment. Organizational support must protect both an employee's health and their professional standing to be truly effective.
Finally, the article argues that addressing endometriosis in the workplace encourages a broader reconsideration of how work can be managed alongside chronic illnesses and invisible disabilities. Employers should not lower standards but enable each employee to contribute in ways that are compatible with their health. Effective organizational support builds trust and helps retain employees in the long term.
Endometriosis and Workplace Challenges: Impact on Professional Life and Organizational Support
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