Women’s health resources for all stages

Women’s health needs evolve significantly across life stages, ranging from family planning to hormonal changes to the management of chronic conditions.

Infertility, postpartum depression, and menopause symptoms affect many women, and women are twice as likely as men to experience mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Because of the diverse challenges women encounter, providing support in the workplace calls for a customized approach, according to Christine Chouinard, a wellness analyst with MIIA’s Health Benefits Trust.

“Using menopause as an example, one woman may experience muscle and joint pain that was never there before, while another may face hot flashes, headaches and mental health changes,” she said. “It’s important to provide clear pathways for women during each life stage and the many challenges these stages can bring. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Employees are more likely to feel valued when employers offer resources through a tailored approach, Chouinard said.

Employers can begin by assessing workforce demographics and identifying resources that best support the specific age groups and life stages within their teams. Many municipalities have successfully implemented wellness committees or a wellness “champion” model, where employees collaborate to develop and promote workplace wellness initiatives that fit employee needs.

Through the Health Benefits Trust’s women’s health partner, Maven, subscribers can access a full range of resources — including telehealth appointments, mental health support, fertility resources, webinars on menopause management, and more — available 24/7 to support all life stages.

MIIA also provides a women’s health toolkit and maternal mental health resource portal, available to both subscribers and non-subscribers.

Written by Jennifer Ranz