Better Sexual Health for a Happier Workplace

How to Talk About Sex in the Workplace

When you think of sex education, the easiest trope to reach for is condoms on bananas. And even that might make you ask, is that appropriate for the workplace? But sexual health goes far beyond fruit and prophylaxis. Having a well-rounded, nuanced, and appropriate approach can improve the well-being of your team.

Celebrate National Sexual Health and Wellbeing Days

Celebrating health-related awareness days such as Mental Health Day in October has become more common. These are always incredibly useful calendar moments to bring attention to the different needs of your team. Sexual health and wellbeing-related days throughout the year, such as STI Awareness Day and World Contraception Day, can also be marked. "Sexual wellbeing should have the same priority as mental and physical wellbeing, and ensuring your celebrations around national days are inclusive to all genders, sexualities, and identities is also key," suggests Dee Whitnell.

Encourage Sexual Health Testing and Conversations

It can be difficult for people to get tested and keep on top of their sexual wellbeing with work and family commitments. But your business could provide resources for staff such as information on local sexual health clinics they can use or guides on different STIs and ways of having safer sex. "You could also bring in sex educators and sexual health providers to educate staff on their sexual wellbeing and provide free sexual health testing kits to remind staff that there is no shame in sexual wellbeing and getting tested," says Whitnell. Whitnell also advocates for policies that enable staff to take time away from their desk to visit a clinic or to pick up medication, whether that’s about finding adequate coverage or offering flexible hours.

Providing Menstruation Products in All Staff Bathrooms and Talking Openly About Periods

"Regardless of what bathroom, including menstrual products in all bathrooms creates a positive atmosphere around periods and shows solidarity to those who may need a menstrual product but are using the ‘men’s’ bathroom," Whitnell recommends. This can also allow staff to open up about menstruation issues they may have, meaning employers and leaders can provide better support to those who may experience chronic pain during their periods or may need to seek further help from their GP and local sexual health clinic.

Lend an Ear

It’s not just up to management, everyone at work can play a role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing. Whitnell sets out how a staff member receiving a diagnosis of any kind, whether an STI or another health condition, can take a mental toll on them. Sometimes simply listening to the colleague and signposting additional resources can make a huge difference. "It’s vital not to ask probing or inappropriate questions, allow the staff member to lead the conversation and divulge as much as they feel comfortable with," says Whitnell.

Share Resources Around Sexual Health

No matter where we work, we have a version of an intranet. Whether that’s a custom-built one, Slack, or just a Whatsapp group, maybe it’s a newsletter or a group chat? You could dedicate a section of this to discussing sexual health and wellbeing topics outside of national holidays – to remind staff that looking after their sexual health and wellbeing is a 24/7 thing. This could mean including links to recent sexual health studies or news articles or bringing in a sex educator to share resources on a specific topic that may be of discussion in the workplace. "The more we talk about sexual health, the more comfortable and confident people will be when/if an issue arises," Whitnell adds.

Conclusion

Implementing these strategies can help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, where employees feel comfortable discussing their sexual health and wellbeing. By celebrating national days, encouraging testing and conversations, providing resources, and lending an ear, you can help your team thrive.

FAQs

• What are some ways to promote sexual health in the workplace?
  • Celebrate national sexual health and wellbeing days
  • Encourage sexual health testing and conversations
  • Provide resources for staff, such as information on local sexual health clinics
  • Lend an ear and provide support to staff members
• How can I create a more inclusive work environment?
  • Provide menstrual products in all staff bathrooms
  • Talk openly about periods and menstruation
  • Share resources around sexual health and wellbeing
• What is the importance of discussing sexual health in the workplace?
  • It can help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment
  • It can help reduce stigma around sexual health and wellbeing
  • It can provide resources and support to staff members