The Business Case For Women’s Health: Why Companies Must Prioritise Employee Well-Being
The Overlooked Impact Of Women’s Health On Business
Women’s health has long been underfunded and misunderstood, leading to a gender health gap that affects not only individuals but also businesses and the broader economy.
In the UK, women spend £1.5 billion more on health and care than men each year, with 52% of their healthcare costs paid out of pocket compared to 39% for men (Deloitte, 2024). Despite this financial burden, 60% of women feel their health issues aren’t taken seriously, and 57% have had a negative experience with a healthcare professional (Fawcett Society n.d.). These disparities translate into real business costs, with 150 million working days lost annually due to women’s poor health. (NHS Confederation n.d.),
The UK has the largest women’s health gap in the G20 (NHS Confederation n.d.), making it clear that businesses must take a proactive approach to supporting their female employees. Companies that neglect this issue risk decreased productivity, lower employee satisfaction and increased turnover. By contrast, organisations that invest in comprehensive women’s health initiatives foster a more inclusive, engaged, and high-performing workforce.
How Can Health Insurance Close The Gap?
Health insurance plays a crucial role in bridging the gap by ensuring employees have access to necessary care and resources. Comprehensive health plans can provide coverage for specialised treatments, preventative care and support services tailored to women’s health. These benefits can include enhanced access to services such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), cervical screenings, and mental health support, all of which are focus points in the Women’s Health Strategy for England, published in July 2022.
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of women’s health, research remains underfunded due to stigmas associated with conditions that disproportionately affect women. Companies have the opportunity to change this narrative by investing in health plans that prioritise female well-being and by advocating for improved healthcare policies in the workplace.
Common Issues With Coverage & Cost
Many standard health insurance policies fail to cover essential women’s health services comprehensively. Issues such as limited coverage for menopause support, fertility treatments and mental health care create barriers for employees seeking treatment. The cost of inadequate support is not just personal: Businesses face increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and lower employee morale. According to the NHS Confederation (n.d.), addressing women’s health issues could boost the UK economy by £1.2 billion annually through improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
Sona Insurance – Supporting Women In The Workplace
At Sona Insurance Solutions, we recognise that healthcare benefits are not just perks; they are essential tools for creating a resilient and empowered workforce. That’s why we collaborate with businesses to tailor health insurance solutions that provide meaningful support for women.
Our commitment extends beyond policy design. We actively engage in initiatives that promote awareness and action in women’s health. We are proud to participate in the Let’s Talk Women’s Health event in Ipswich on March 22, 2025. This event aims to educate and empower women by offering direct access to expert talks, real-life experiences and healthcare professionals. It’s an opportunity for businesses to acknowledge the importance of supporting women’s health and to take proactive steps toward meaningful change.
Invest In Employee Well-Being.
Now more than ever, businesses have a responsibility to champion workplace health initiatives. Businesses need to be asking themselves if they are doing enough to support their female employees’ health and well-being. By integrating comprehensive health insurance that covers essential women’s health services and by supporting initiatives such as Let’s Talk Women’s Health, companies can make a real difference. The benefits extend beyond financial gains; businesses that invest in women’s health see:
- A 27% reduction in absenteeism when comprehensive health support is provided (NHS Confederation, n.d.).
- Increased Job satisfaction, leading to 25% lower turnover rates (Deloitte, 2024).
- A stronger employer brand, making it easier to attract and retain top talent.
Join us at Sona Insurance in making workplace well-being a priority. Let’s create a future where every employee has access to the care and protection they deserve. Contact us today to explore how we can help your business build a healthier, more inclusive workplace.
Call Sona Insurance today at 01206 694904 for tailored Health Insurance solutions.
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