Group of five diverse women standing against a plain light-colored wall, smiling, holding tablets and coffee, dressed in business casual attire.
Group of five diverse women standing against a plain light-colored wall, smiling, holding tablets and coffee, dressed in business casual attire. 
Empower her 
and elevate your workforce.

Why Women’s Health Matters in the Workplace

Despite women making up nearly half of South Africa’s workforce, many organisations still overlook the significant impact of women’s health on performance, wellbeing, and retention.

Only 12–20% of organisations currently provide any specific support, policies, or training for these critical life stages.

Prioritize female health

•

Create more productive, happier female employees

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Prioritize female health • Create more productive, happier female employees •

Key Life Stages

Person wearing a blue and white striped shirt, holding their stomach in pain.

MENSTRUATION

  • 1 in 7 women experience period-related absenteeism.

  • 4 in 5 women report reduced productivity due to menstruation.

  • This results in 8.9 days of lost productivity per employee per year.

  • Only 12–20% of organisations offer any specific support.

Close-up of a pregnant woman gently holding her belly with one hand, wearing a beige blouse and white blazer, against a pink background.

MATERNITY

  • Many women struggle with the return-to-work transition, with significant numbers leaving the workforce in the first year after having a child.

  • Strong breastfeeding and return-to-work support dramatically improves retention and reduces absenteeism for working mothers.

  • Companies with breastfeeding programmes report average retention of about 94%.

  • Mothers of formula-fed infants take more than twice as many one-day absences to care for sick children.

Person in a gray plaid suit sitting with a tissue to their nose, possibly indicating illness.

MENOPAUSE

  • Up to 8 in 10 women experience symptoms that affect work performance (fatigue, poor concentration, low mood).

  • Many women consider leaving their jobs due to unsupported menopause symptoms.

  • Workplaces that provide support see major improvements in retention and productivity.

STATISTICS

UK research by the British Safety Council shows that workplaces offering customised support, flexible arrangements, and open conversations about menopause can see significant benefits, including:

FemmFyn statistics 
Up to an 80% improvement in staff retention
FemmFyn statistics 2 
Over 50% of menopausal employees reporting increased productivity
FemmFyn statistics 3 
A major boost to employer brand and recruitment appeal

In Spain and Zambia, menstrual leave has been introduced as the workplace impact of period pain is increasingly recognised.

Outline map of Spain with the word 'Spain' written across it.

A Spanish employee described it as “a relief” not to lose pay or force herself into work when unwell.

Outline map of Zambia with the word 'Zambia' written inside.

In Zambia, advocates have called the monthly leave “a very important day that allows women to attend to their biological needs and continue their work without being susceptible to discrimination.”

Recognition matters.

When workplaces acknowledge women's health, women are less likely to suffer in silence.
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