Many companies still treat women’s health as isolated initiatives
Only 65% of employers worldwide have reached mature stages of action on women’s health in the workplace, according to a new report published by global consultancy Kearney – revealing that awareness has yet to translate into consistent, measurable change.
The findings come from Kearney’s [w]Health Employer Index, a benchmark that evaluates how organizations embed women’s health into workforce strategy, leadership, and operations across industries and regions. The index was developed in partnership with the UNFPA-led Equity 2030 Alliance and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.
Sector gaps
The report reveals sharp differences across industries. Financial services ranks highest, with 77% of organizations demonstrating mature action on women’s health. Consumer and retail follows at 71%, while mobility, defense, and advanced industrials, as well as healthcare and life sciences, each stand at 63%. Communications, media, and technology trail at 60%, and energy and process industries rank last at 58%.
Notably, the healthcare and life sciences sector, despite its proximity to health innovation, continues to lag in data accountability, communication, and inclusive workplace culture, according to the index.
Investment without accountability
While employers perform strongly in benefits, well-being investment, and advocacy, the report identifies persistent weaknesses in education, communication, and employee voice. Only 51% of organizations provide sex- and gender-specific training, and just 54% systematically track women’s health data to inform workplace policy.
The index suggests many organizations continue to treat women’s health as a series of isolated initiatives, such as maternity or reproductive benefits, rather than integrating it into broader workforce design and long-term business strategy.
Mariarosa Cutillo, UNFPA Private Sector and Civil Society Branch chief, noted that women spend more than 40% of their reproductive years in the workforce.
“Private sector investment in sexual and reproductive health and rights – from menstrual health to parental leave – is a proven catalyst for reducing absenteeism and boosting productivity,” Cutillo said.
Path forward
The index outlines three priorities for accelerating progress: embedding women’s health into workforce design, strengthening gender-disaggregated data and key performance indicators, and aligning access, investment, and incentives to deliver consistent support.
Paula Bellostas Muguerza, partner and global healthcare and life sciences lead at Kearney, said the data points to a deeper structural problem.
“Too many organizations are still treating women’s health as a side conversation, despite its direct impact on productivity,” Muguerza said. “Employers cannot afford to ignore the reality that millions of women are navigating health challenges that affect their experience at work every single day.”
