The workplace conversations women still swallow

In workplaces across the globe, women continue to endure health conditions and personal challenges that they often keep hidden to avoid potential consequences at work. These include symptoms of menopause, menstrual issues, fertility concerns, and mental health struggles, all of which can be incredibly taxing and impact their performance and well-being.

The fear of facing discriminatory treatment, being perceived as less competent, or being sidelined by colleagues often pushes women to suppress these issues, choosing silence over open discussion.

At Empact Group's recent Women's Month event, a significant conversation unfolded, shedding light on these hidden struggles. Staff members opened up about menopause, mental health, and gender-based violence, acknowledging the difficulties in disclosing such personal matters at the workplace. Women's organizations must move beyond superficial wellness initiatives and address these underlying issues more seriously.

This involves examining whether the work environment, from uniforms to meeting room temperatures, can provide relief, and ensuring that managers are receptive to discussions about personal health and wellbeing challenges.

Sanele Mlambo, Group Marketing Executive at Empact Group, emphasized that employees cannot compartmentalize their personal hardships when they enter the workplace. Women continue to grapple with the effects of health issues, domestic violence, and gender-based violence, even as they navigate their professional lives. For instance, a woman might endure a physically or emotionally abusive situation at home and still need to show up at work, affecting her ability to concentrate and perform effectively.

Such situations are often silenced due to the fear of retaliation, lack of trust in the organizational framework, or the belief that nothing would change.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of harassment and microaggressions is widespread, with 44 percent of women surveyed by Deloitte reporting such experiences, yet only about 20 percent of these women actually report it. This silence often becomes a defense mechanism, shaped by societal power dynamics and systemic neglect. Creating an environment where individuals feel safe to speak out about their challenges is crucial.

It starts with fostering a culture of open communication where employees can express their concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. Employers play a vital role by establishing policies that encourage such conversations and ensuring that these discussions are handled with sensitivity and discretion.