With women leaving the workforce at twice the rate of men, the “Great Resignation” has given renewed urgency to addressing the challenges women may face in negotiating the demands of their professional and personal lives. Childcare, pregnancy and family leave have understandably been a central focus of efforts to support and retain employees, but it is also essential for employers to acknowledge other aspects of women’s morale and well-being that have long received too little attention. This session will provide an international comparative discussion of employer support for women as they experience menstruation, endometriosis, fertility treatments, pregnancy loss and menopause, and why it is an essential requirement for full participation and equality in the workplace.

The movement to destigmatize these fundamental health issues for women has reached a critical mass, resulting in cultural shifts, legislation and case law. This is impacting not only employees’ expectations, but also workplace legal rights and obligations. Human Resources professionals and in-house counsel will want to be prepared to recognize and understand these issues and the implications for retention and success of female employees, and gain comfort and competence in discussing these previously taboo topics. This session on women's morale and well-being in the workplace focuses on long-ignored but increasingly hot topics for women beyond pregnancy and family leave:

• Wellness for women in the workplace and the direct link to productivity
• Medical and related cultural issues impacting women at work, and how employers can assist – including menstruation, endometriosis, fertility treatments, pregnancy loss and menopause
• The evolving state of related issues for transgender employees; and
• An international comparison of what employers are doing (and are required to do), specifically including Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom

Speakers: Naomi Seddon, Aki Tanaka, Tahl Tyson