Promoting Women’s Health Awareness in the Workplace

How businesses can prioritize women’s health to boost productivity, retention, and well-being.

As companies across the GCC aim to create inclusive, high-performing work environments, one area still too often overlooked when considering medical insurance for employees is women’s health. From maternity to menopause and mental health, the challenges women face at work are real and very different from those experienced by men. In addressing this, companies have the opportunity to stand out in their industry, creating an inclusive workplace that clearly values their staff.

At Gulfcare, we believe that fostering a culture of inclusivity means acknowledging that women may have been overlooked in the past and then taking steps to support them holistically—through flexible policies, awareness programs, and robust corporate health insurance solutions. When women thrive, businesses thrive too and corporate health insurance companies have a significant role to play in supporting them.

Why Women’s Health in the Workplace Matters

Women make up a significant portion of the workforce across the wider GCC, making up 52% of the workforce in the UAE, according to a 2023 report. Yet, too many women struggle with health issues in silence, whether it's chronic period pain, pregnancy complications, or perimenopausal symptoms. When left unaddressed, these issues can lead to absenteeism, disengagement, and even resignation—costing businesses talent, productivity, and progress.

According to a recent report by the McKinsey Health Institute, over the course of their working life, women spend 25 percent more time in “poor health” compared to men. According to the report, reducing the time spent unwell has the potential to bolster the global economy by at least $1 trillion annually by 2040.

By prioritizing women’s health, companies signal that they value the employee—not just the role they fill. Inclusive environments see higher employee retention rates, stronger engagement, and better workplace morale in general. It's not just the right thing to do—it’s good business.

Common Health Concerns Affecting Women at Work

To build a supportive culture, companies must first understand the specific health needs of women in the workplace. These include:

• Maternity and Reproductive Care: Pregnancy, fertility treatments, and postpartum recovery all require tailored support. Without proper recognition, women may feel isolated or pressured, which can lead to burnout or leaving the workforce.

• Menopause: Symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings affect many women as they experience menopause. These symptoms can severely disrupt sleep, focus, and emotional stability, impacting leadership roles and long-term career progression.

• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and burnout are common, especially in caregiving roles or high-pressure environments. Unchecked mental health challenges can reduce engagement, damage morale, and contribute to higher turnover rates among female employees.

These issues are often deeply personal, but the workplace can play a critical role in how well women are able to manage them.

How Businesses Can Foster Inclusivity Around Women’s Health

Creating an inclusive culture means embedding support into the fabric of the workplace. Here’s how to start:

Offer Flexible Work Arrangements and Health-Related Leave

Allowing remote work, flexible hours, and menopause leave where possible can go a long way to reducing stress and supporting women through different life stages. These policies don’t just offer comfort—they are examples of how a company can show trust and empathy.

Provide Education and Awareness Initiatives

Host regular workshops, invite healthcare professionals to speak, and distribute materials that educate employees on women’s health topics. When knowledge is shared, stigma fades—and understanding grows.

Encourage Open Dialogue

Creating a culture where employees feel safe talking about their health challenges is key. This might mean training managers to approach sensitive topics with empathy or the setting up of anonymous feedback channels.

Ensure Access to Quality Healthcare

Health coverage should go beyond the basics. Partnering with corporate health insurance companies that offer comprehensive, gender-responsive care is essential for sustained support.

The Role of Corporate Health Insurance Companies in Women’s Well-being

Corporate health insurance companies are recognizing that well-designed health insurance plans aren’t just a perk—they’re vital elements of workplace support systems. Gulfcare’s corporate health insurance solutions are tailored to the real needs of today’s workforce, and include:

Preventive and Reproductive Health Coverage

From cervical cancer screenings to fertility support, our plans offer coverage for the services women need to stay healthy and proactive.

Convenient Tele-health Access with Tru Doc

For busy professionals, time matters. Our partnership with Tru Doc ensures that employees can consult with a doctor via phone or app, anytime, anywhere—saving them time while securing expert care.

Mental and Emotional Support via Employee Assistance Programmes

Mental health is inseparable from physical health. Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offerings provide confidential counseling and support for stress, anxiety, and personal challenges, empowering women to seek help early.

Custom Health Insurance for Women’s Needs

We understand that no two workforces are alike. That’s why Gulfcare offers custom health insurance and group health insurance plans that can be tailored to your team—whether you’re a startup looking for health insurance packages for small businesses or a large enterprise needing medical insurance for employees in Dubai or across the UAE.

Making Inclusion a Business Priority

When businesses invest in women’s health, they’re investing in resilience, loyalty, and performance. The best corporate cultures don’t just include women—they support them, champion them, and create space for their success at every life stage.

Whether you're a human resources leader reviewing your benefits package or a business owner exploring online health insurance in Dubai, the message is clear: it’s time to put women’s health on the workplace agenda.

Let Gulfcare Help You Lead the Way

At Gulfcare, we specialize in providing the best health insurance packages for employees in the UAE while supporting businesses that want to make a difference. Our holistic approach supports not just physical health, but emotional well-being, access to care, and inclusivity in the truest sense.

Let’s build a future where every woman in your workforce feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Explore our tailored corporate health insurance solutions today. Visit Gulfcare or speak to our team about how our group health insurance, custom health insurance, and Employee Assistance Programme options can transform your workplace for the better.