AO has become the largest retailer pledging to support employees impacted by endometriosis by joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme.
Through the scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, the electricals retailer headquartered in Greater Manchester will improve its support for employees with the condition.
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. It affects one in ten women and those assigned female at birth in the UK.
Alison Hushon, AO’s Group HR Director said: “We’re delighted to join the scheme to ensure we can start to better understand and support those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health.
“We hope that we’ll inspire other online retailers to join the scheme as well.”
Despite being so common, it takes an average of eight years and 10 months to get diagnosed with endometriosis in the UK, for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease.
Just last week, the Women and Equalities Committee published a report finding that girls and women undergoing painful health conditions such as endometriosis have had their symptoms ‘dismissed and normalised’.
Endometriosis symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating.
As part of the scheme, AO will appoint Endometriosis Champions via its women’s health group, who will be trained by Endometriosis UK, to enable them to provide support and information to its workforce.
Other Endometriosis Friendly Employers include the University of Manchester, HSBC, and Network Rail.
AO employs 3,000 people and has been the headline sponsor of the AO arena since 2020.
Endometriosis UK is the leading charity championing the rights and needs of the more than 1.5m in the UK with endometriosis.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “I’m delighted to welcome AO to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the scheme.
“By showing its team that they can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”
Find more information on the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-friendly-employer-scheme
Have you been affected by endometriosis or any similar health conditions? Did you find it difficult to be diagnosed? Please get in touch.
Feature image courtesy of AO
