Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices has signed up to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, helping drive positive change in the workplace for the 1 in 10 women with endometriosis. With female employment rates higher than ever before[1]and endometriosis costing the UK economy £8.2 billion a year in loss of work, treatment, and healthcare costs, it is absolutely vital that employers take JJMD’s lead in taking endometriosis seriously and not simply brushing women’s issues under the carpet. The scheme, led by Endometriosis UK, provides guidance on how to support employees with endometriosis, with employers committing to providing those with the condition the necessary support to thrive at work.
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body, usually within the pelvic cavity. Each month these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). The condition can have a huge impact on a person’s work and career.
Becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer shows a commitment to staff who have the condition and helps break down the stigma surrounding endometriosis in the workplace.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “Employers who sign up to the scheme are helping break down the taboo and stigma around endometriosis and menstrual conditions, and developing work environments where all staff are comfortable talking about possible practical adjustments that could be of benefit.
A huge thank you to Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices for championing and supporting those with endometriosis by signing up to the scheme”.
“We now look forward to seeing many other employers following their lead”.
Commenting on becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, Nisha Johnson, General Manager of Ethicon GB, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, said:
“As an employer, we are committed to supporting our workforce and helping employees reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to have signed up to become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer”.
About Ethicon
Ethicon, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, has made significant contributions to surgery for more than 100 years from creating the first sutures, to revolutionizing surgery with minimally invasive procedures. Our continuing dedication to Shape the Future of Surgery is built on our commitment to help address the world's most pressing health care issues and improve and save more lives. Through Ethicon's surgical technologies and solutions including sutures, staplers, energy devices, trocars and adjunctive hemostats and our commitment to treat serious medical conditions like obesity and cancer worldwide, we deliver innovation to make a life-changing impact. For more information, visit https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-EMEA/companies/ethicon
About the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies
The Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies’ purpose is to reach more patients and restore more lives. Having advanced patient care for more than a century, these companies represent an unparalleled breadth of products, services, programs and research and development capabilities in surgical technology, orthopaedics, interventional and specialty solutions with an offering directed at delivering clinical and economic value to health care systems worldwide.