March 8th marks International Women's Day, a day to celebrate the incredible achievements of women and to advocate for continued progress towards equality. This year's theme, "Inspire Inclusion," is a powerful reminder of the importance of creating work environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and included, and we believe that inspiring inclusion begins with prioritising the wellbeing of all individuals, especially women.
Supporting Women Through Life's Challenges
We know that life can throw some curveballs, especially for our female team members. The reality is that women often face unique challenges in prioritising their wellbeing at work.
A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that women are more likely than men to experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
Whether it's navigating the demands of pregnancy, returning to work after maternity leave, or experiencing the physical and emotional changes of menstruation and menopause, women can find themselves feeling exhausted. This research has shown the importance of providing support and resources to help them manage these challenges.
An Empowering Story From A Woman
“Having access to a Rest Space was an absolute Godsend! In my first trimester, I was naturally exhausted. Traveling and working long office hours was tough, and I wasn’t ready to share my pregnancy; we had waited 6 years! On long days, I could comfortably book a nap or two, and no one noticed as it was part of our office culture.
The relief was immeasurable, both physically and psychologically. I wasn’t forced to explain myself and could easily recharge my batteries to maintain work productivity; but more importantly, keep me and my baby well.
I had never been a ‘napper’ before or since my first trimester but my heart went out to all the other pregnant mums who didn’t have this opportunity.
How on earth did they survive? Did they have to compromise their privacy or, worse, their or their baby’s health? Thankfully, I didn’t have to choose. - Sam
Sam used our rest spaces to get through the first trimester of her maternity.
We don’t talk enough about the impact of pregnancy and menopause on fatigue. Many of the women I have spoken to have highlighted points in their careers where they just needed a quiet space to lie down or have a moment to themselves but ultimately resorted to sitting in a toilet cubicle, getting some resemblance of rest.
That's why we must create a workplace culture that supports rest and wellbeing for everyone.
Why Investing in Women's Well-Being Matters
Let's talk about why it's so important to invest in the wellbeing of women. When we prioritise the health and happiness of our female colleagues, we're not just being kind—we're also making smart business decisions. Studies show that when women feel supported and valued at work, they're more engaged, productive, and likely to stick around for the long haul. That means a happier, more motivated team, and better results for our company.
Here's where creating a supportive work environment comes in. We can do better by:
Promoting open communication: Let's normalise conversations about the impact of fatigue and encourage employees to prioritise their well-being without fear of judgement.
Building a culture of support: Offer flexible work arrangements, comfortable rest spaces, and access to resources that can help women manage sleep issues and navigate specific life stages.
Recognising the power of rest: Encourage breaks, naps, and respect for personal time. A well-rested employee is a more productive employee, after all!
Prioritising Rest: A Vital Component of Wellbeing
Investing in women's wellbeing is not just about doing the right thing; it's about investing in the success of your company and the personal wellbeing of your employees. Think about it: A well-rested woman is a more focused, productive, and creative employee.
By fostering a culture that prioritises rest and wellbeing, we unlock the full potential of our female workforce and inspire a more inclusive future for all.
Get in touch with us today as we celebrate women's achievements, and together we can work towards creating workplaces that support and empower women to thrive.