NEWS Dr Anna Mandeville, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and UK Clinical Director at Koa Health on how women’s mental health can be supported in the workplace “Working women face persistent challenges around mental health. Pay inequity, gendered biases and a lack of work-life balance contribute to common mental health conditions. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety and three times as likely to experience common mental health problems. Juggling caregiving and work responsibilities, struggling with hormonal changes and trying to keep up with personal relationships leads to increased levels of stress. This can translate to feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or depressed. This international Women’s Day, employers must create a culture that supports women’s mental health, particularly in the workplace. It starts with an organisation making it clear that mental health is squarely on the agenda. Providing comprehensive benefits is the next step. Giving employees access to high-quality digital mental health tools provides an efficient and discreet route to guided self-help and ensures appropriate privacy. Discreet access is vital for women who fear they will be seen as weak or unprofessional for asking for help. Employers must also measure women’s wellbeing within the workforce as, without this, it’s impossible to drive accountability and positive change. Feeling supported and psychologically safe in the workplace can have a tremendous impact on culture change. With this support, women are more able to bring their best selves and ideas to work”. International Women’s Day 2023
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