Endometriosis in the workplace
Endometriosis affects about 1 in 7 Australian women and costs the Australian economy up to $9.7 billion each year.
The Office for Women facilitated a roundtable event in October 2025 attended by leaders from the private and public sectors and unions. They discussed best practice for supporting employees experiencing reproductive health challenges in the workplace.
Key themes included flexible work options, supportive policies, education and cultural change.
Next steps include creating awareness, partnering with industry bodies and coordinating government efforts to implement best practices.
Endometriosis Roundtable Summary (DOCX 1.6 MB)
Sources:
- Armour M, Lawson K, Wood A, Smith CA, Abbott J (2019) The cost of illness and economic burden of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain in Australia: A national online survey. PLoS ONE 14(10): e0223316.
- Ernst & Young (2019) The cost of endometriosis in Australia: a report for EndoActive.
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