Social Worker (Anonymous Submission)

“Over the past 15 years managing a team primarily of women, I’ve noticed many needing to take annual leave (AL) and personal leave (PL) for reproductive health reasons, such as IVF, pregnancy appointments, endometriosis, and menopause. This often affects their long-term well-being. I believe reproductive health leave (RHL) is vital for acknowledging the hormonal changes women face and addressing the patriarchal structures in the workplace.

Many women end up using their PL for health issues, leaving them without time off for rest and recovery, which is essential in the health sector. I personally took six months of leave due to significant health issues related to reproductive health, highlighting the need for RHL.

If Australia wants a strong workforce, RHL is crucial to support women, who often face disadvantages in a system developed by men. I’ve seen cases where women had to leave the workforce due to reproductive health issues; RHL could have altered these outcomes. Research shows the economic impact of not supporting women after surgeries like hysterectomies.

Additionally, flexible work arrangements are crucial as our workforce ages, particularly for caregivers of children or the elderly. Without these options, many team members would struggle to continue working, which is particularly important in allied health fields currently facing staff shortages.

I believe the lack of RHL in the past forced me to exhaust my PL and AL, resulting in a health crisis that required me to use my LSL for recovery instead of leisure, which was crucial for my family’s well-being.”