Workplace Stress and Gender Roles: The Unique Challenges and Unmet Needs of Women

Mental wellness in the workplace has become a hot topic in recent years, as organisations realise it's impact on employees' productivity, job satisfaction and overall business success. Mental health challenges can affect anyone. However, social trends reveal significant differences in how men and women experience, manage and address the mental wellness in a professional setting. Society norms have shaped these differences within the workplace dynamics. Unique biological factors make it crucial for companies to refine their approach to supporting mental wellness.

Workplace Stress and Gender Roles

Men and women can experience stress in the workplace differently. Traditional gender roles influenced by societal expectations, with men historically adopted the role of breadwinner, which places pressure on them to succeed professionally. As pressure creates stress around achievement, promotions, job security and career advancement, men feel compelled to shy away from conversations about the mental health challenges from fear of appearing weak or incapable, contributing to high levels of unreported or unaddressed stress.

Women on the other hand face stress through balancing multiple roles, especially if they are the primary caregiver, responsible for the home. The struggles women have to maintain the work-life balance is a very significant source of stress for many women, especially mothers. Research has shown that women are more likely to experience anxiety and burnout due to the secondary shift of home duties after work. What's more, women are often subjected to gender bias, pay gaps and limited opportunity for career advancement, which can all lead to feelings of frustration, anger and reduced self-worth.

Different Responses to Workplace Pressure

When it comes to dealing with workplace pressures, men and women deal with this very differently. This is due to both biological and cultural factors. Societal norms may have encouraged some men to suppress emotional vulnerability, while other men will often internalise stress which can lead to disengagement, aggression or substance abuse. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to be open about their emotional struggles and seek support for their mental health. This most likely explains why women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety. It may not necessarily mean that they experience more stress.

What's more, women tend to form stronger social support networks within the workplace, often engaging in more collaborative and communicative relationships with colleagues, which can be a protective factor for mental wellness. Men will be more inclined to face their workspace challenges alone, partly due to social expectations of self-reflection.

Biological and Hormonal Influences

Biology plays a significant role in the difference between men and women's mental wellness at work. The home and changes such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can affect a woman's mental health, causing fluctuations in mood, energy levels and concentration. Women can often experience increased anxiety, irritability or depressive symptoms during these periods, which can be exacerbated by work stress. Unfortunately, the stigma around these topics means that women can feel reluctant to bring it up, resulting in more stress and this can often lead to burnout.

Even though men are not subject to the same hormonal cycles as women, they can also face some biological symptoms that affect their mental health. Recent studies suggested that men may also experience a form of the "male menopause," otherwise, known as andropause, which involves decreased levels of testosterone, that can lead to extreme fatigue, depression, and irritability. These biological factors can interlink with workplace stress and exacerbate mental health challenges.

Addressing the Mental Health Gender Gap

Understanding these gender-based differences is key for creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace. Companies can take several steps to help maintain a good mental health environment within the workplace.

Normalising mental health conversations. Leadership should encourage open discussions about mental health within the workplace on a regular basis. Particularly reducing the stigma for men, encouraging them to be open and vulnerable while also addressing the differences that women can face within the workplace.

Flexible work arrangements. Offering flexible working hours, remote work opportunities or part-time roles can help employees, particularly women balancing caregiving responsibilities. In return, reducing stress and maintaining a good work-life balance.

Introduction of therapeutic practices. By introducing weekly or monthly therapeutic practices within the workplace such as group hypnotherapy can significantly reduce stress levels of employees and promote better mental wellness and productivity for the business.

Tailored support programs. Mental health programs should be designed with the understanding of gender-specific needs, offering mental health resources that are tailored to the needs of women to address stress during pregnancy and menopause to make a significant difference. For men, organising support groups to help normalise mental health check-ins, normalising emotional expressions can be beneficial.

The difference between men's and women's mental wellness in the workplace is complex, and many companies are recognising the need to address mental health within the workplace. Many need to pay more attention to the different needs of the different genders and to fill in the unique challenges and unmet needs of women. By addressing the nuance between genders, organisations can increase productivity just by introducing weekly or monthly programs and maintaining good mental wellness within the workforce.

Women's Mental Health vs Men