OnDemand: The Women’s Health in the Workplace Conference 2026
Access Your OnDemand Conference
Purchasing OnDemand
You can watch all the insights, key sessions, and expert discussions from the Women’s Health in the Workplace Conference 2026 by purchasing our OnDemand Event. Access full recordings of every session, including presentations from leading industry speakers, and watch at your own pace.
Benefits of OnDemand:
- Watch on your own schedule – no need to clear your calendar or worry about time zones
- Learn at your own pace – pause, rewind, and rewatch key moments to fully absorb the content
- Get instant access after purchase to expert insights and curated content, perfect for industry professionals who want high-value content OnDemand
Supporters Included
2026 Overview
In January 2025 the government committed to reducing gynaecology waiting lists, tackling maternity care inequalities, supporting local women’s health hubs, and improving NHS performance. However, there remains a significant gap in how women’s health is recognised and supported in the workplace. Bridging the gap in education and support for women’s health will not only ensure a more inclusive workforce but will also allow more women to reach their full potential in the workplace.
The Women’s Health in the Workplace Conference 2026 explored the practical, legal, and cultural changes needed to build healthier, more inclusive working environments for women. Hear from policy leaders, healthcare experts, HR professionals and those with lived experience, and take away actionable strategies for creating meaningful change in your organisation.
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Professor Carol Atkinson, Professor of Human Resource Management, Manchester Metropolitan University
Keynote: Women’s Health in the Workplace: From Policy to Practice
- Exploring how organisations can move beyond mandatory women’s health to embed women’s health considerations into everyday workplace practices
- Understanding and implementing the employment rights bill with a focus on creating menopause action plans
- Outlining government progress on reducing gynaecology waiting lists, tackling maternity care inequalities, supporting local women’s health hubs, and improving NHS performance and the impact this is having on women’s health
- Encouraging ongoing dialogue and employee involvement to ensure health policies are responsive, inclusive, and genuinely effective
Dr. Paula Cowan, National Specialty Advisor for gynaecology, NHS England
Keynote: The Economic Case for Supporting Women’s Health in the Workplace
- Demonstrating how supporting women’s health directly contributes to positive business outcomes and economic performance
- Highlighting women’s health experiences at work
- Emphasising the consequences of inadequate support for health issues in the workplace
- Providing best-practice examples of how employers can support and accommodate women’s health needs
Nina Skero, Chief Executive, Centre for Economics and Business Research
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Keynote: Improving Workplace Awareness of Gynaecological Cancers
Athena Lamnisos, Chief Executive, The Eve Appeal
Case Study: Endometriosis and Menstrual Health
- Exploring how endometriosis, and other menstrual health issues are often misunderstood or ignored in the workplace
- Understanding the psychological toll of living with long-term, underdiagnosed conditions
- Strategies for ensuring that menstrual health is not a taboo topic in the workplace
- Guidance on providing impactful support for employees suffering from under diagnosed menstrual health issues
Ginisha Vekaria, Workplace Menstrual Wellbeing Programme Manager, Endometriosis UK
Questions & Answers
Lunch Break
Panel: Supporting Women Experiencing Fertility Issues in the Workplace
- Strategies for breaking down the taboo surrounding fertility within the workplace
- Equipping line managers to respond with sensitivity, maintain privacy, and offer practical support without overstepping boundaries
- Recognising the fertility experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents by choice, and people using surrogacy or adoption
- Addressing grief and the need for empathetic leave policies and support following pregnancy loss
- Examples of effective fertility leave policies, workplace accommodations, and benefits that truly support employees
Becky Kearns, Co-Founder and CEO, Fertility Matters at Work
Professor Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science, UCL
Penny East, Chief Executive, The Fawcett Society
Comfort Break
Case Study: Menstruation and Menstrual Health Issues
- What employees actually want when it comes to menstrual health support – survey results from menstruation friendly organisations
- What gets in the way of progress, including cultural, practical and organisational barriers
- Practical, realistic ideas you can take away and apply in your own workplace
Sally Leech, Founding Director, Menstruation Friendly Accreditation
Case Study: Supporting Women Through the Menopause
- Understanding how symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety can affect confidence and performance
- Creating a formal policy outlining support measures and ensuring that all employees are aware of this
- Educating managers and colleagues about the effects of menopause to build empathy and understanding
- Implementing practical interventions including flexible working and access to expert healthcare advice
- Tackling sexist or ageist attitudes towards the menopause
Deborah Garlick, Founder, Henpicked
Questions & Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Professor Carol Atkinson, Professor of Human Resource Management, Manchester Metropolitan University
Conference Close
Pricing Options
OnDemand
Full access to the OnDemand conference - get instant access after purchase to expert insights and curated content
2026 Speakers
Penny East
Chief Executive
The Fawcett Society
Ginisha Vekaria
Workplace Menstrual Wellbeing Programme Manager
Endometriosis UK
Testimonials
Great to hear Best Practice Case Studies, and acknowledge the challenges in integrating Women’s Services.
I thoroughly enjoyed the event. Interesting content and good discussions, I learned a lot.
