Architype team at Twyford Barn, Hereford ©Gabriella Karney

Architype has taken the step to become an endometriosis friendly employer. But what does that mean? It means that we are working to support employees who suffer from the effects of endometriosis. Endometriosis and its symptoms such as chronic fatigue, nausea, debilitating pain and infertility can have a significant impact on daily life, mental health and productivity. 

“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.” - Endometriosis UK

Unfortunately, there is no cure, which is why it is especially important that we permanently adapt and create flexibility in the workplace for people living with the disease. We must note that this is not a female-only disease, it can affect intersex, trans, non-binary people and cis men. Employees, if they choose, should feel comfortable talking about how endometriosis affects their lives. 

As part of the endometriosis friendly employer scheme, we are we are taking steps to:

• Make sure our leaders and managers are committed to the scheme

• Make endometriosis support part of our human resource policy

• Educate managers on how to support their employees suffering from the disease through arrangements such as flexible working

• Identify endometriosis champions (we have two) within the company as support contacts

• Normalise conversation about endometriosis

• Make support for endometriosis visible, signposted and accessible

• Commit to be a public voice about endometriosis through our communications channels such as social media

  
  

“It's so important to raise awareness of just how affected our colleagues might be by illnesses that are seldom talked about or taken seriously. Supporting Endometriosis UK by becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer is a great start for us, especially being the first in the construction industry to sign up to the scheme - and will enable us to open up discussions around other related illnesses.

There has always been stigma attached to such diseases but thankfully, things are moving in the right direction. We know that one in ten people born as female are affected by this disease and we are incredibly proud to work for a company that sees the value in such causes, supports its staff in whatever challenges they are facing, and seeks to engage conversations in the workplace to help break the taboo.”

Lisa Edwards – Practice manager

Our language is the built environment therefore in support of endometriosis month and the statistic of one in ten, we chose our favourite ten buildings to profile here.

Learn more about endometriosis and how to be come an endometriosis friendly employer here.