Marie Duffy
PR and Communications Officer, Mental Health Ireland
Uncover the challenges women face at work and how they navigate mental health. To unlock their full potential, a workplace wellbeing strategy is crucial.
Women’s professional growth in the workplace faces unique challenges, which can impact their wellbeing and career progression. Find out what these challenges are and how a workplace wellbeing strategy can help.
Women doubt themselves more
Research shows that women must work harder to prove they’re just as capable as men and are more likely to miss out on key promotions and raises. Many women are more critical of themselves than men and underestimate their ability and work performance, being more likely to attribute this to a lack of their own ability.1
Women may have extra stressors
Women are more likely to be the primary caregivers in the home and take on the bulk of child-rearing responsibility. They may also be more susceptible to socioeconomic factors that can increase stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Women often feel that they have to hide their emotions at work to be treated equally, and this can add further anxiety to their situation. However, they may be more open to discussing the mental health difficulties they face and, in turn, access support earlier.
It’s also important to break the taboo around specific topics like menstruation and menopause and their direct connection to a woman’s mental health. Mental Health Ireland has a menopause and mental health booklet that can be downloaded for free.
Workplaces should provide an
effective workplace wellbeing strategy.
Comprehensive workplace wellbeing
Workplaces should provide an effective workplace wellbeing strategy and have supports in place, which can be tailored to each individual’s needs. Mental Health Ireland has a free workplace wellbeing e-module for employers, which demystifies workplace wellbeing.
Dismantling gender-based challenges for equality
Addressing the relationship between mental health, workplace dynamics and societal expectations is crucial to fostering a more supportive environment for women in the workplace. As we collectively strive for a society where mental health is prioritised, understanding and dismantling gender-based challenges is a pivotal step towards true equality.
Download the free menopause and mental health booklet from Mental Health Ireland: mentalhealthireland.ie/womens-health
[1] Madeline E. Heilman et al., “Penalties for Success: Reactions to Women Who Succeed at Male Gender-Typed Tasks,” Journal of Applied Psychology 89, no. 3 (2004): 416–27; Laurie A. Rudman and Peter Glick, “Prescriptive Gender Stereotypes and Backlash Toward Agentic Women,” Journal of Social Issues 57, no. 4 (2001): 743–62; Laurie A. Rudman and Peter Glick, “Feminized Management and Backlash Toward Agentic Women: The Hidden Costs to Women of a Kinder, Gentler Image of Middle Managers,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 77, no. 5 (1999): 1004–10; Rudman, “Self-Promotion as a Risk Factor for Women.”