MANAGERS · HR TEAMS
Manager quick-reference guide
A practical first response, with reminders about privacy, work-related needs and follow-up.
PDF · 1 page · Quick referenceDownload manager guideTHE WORKWELL EMPLOYER HUB
For employers, managers & HR teams
Better understanding.
More supportive workplaces.
Help your team understand endometriosis, respond with care, and explore practical support for employees living with an often invisible condition.
Practical tools. Respectful conversations. Support that fits the person.
✓ Managers & HR teams✓ Employees & resource groups✓ Education grounded in patient experience
UNDERSTAND · LISTEN · SUPPORT
A thoughtful response
can change the workday.
Start with the person in front of you. Notice work barriers, protect privacy, and use your workplace’s support process.
INVISIBLE SYMPTOMS. REAL WORKPLACE IMPACT.
Experiences differ from day to day.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it. Pain, fatigue and other symptoms can affect daily life and work.
Work can feel different
Sitting, standing, travel, concentration or a regular schedule may become harder during a flare.
The impact is individual
Appointments, recovery and symptoms can change support needs over time. Avoid comparing one person’s experience with another’s.
A useful starting point: Ask how work is affected and what support the person would like to explore.
LISTEN FIRST. LEAVE ROOM FOR TRUST.
Thank them for telling you.
Offer a private conversation. Give the employee time to describe the work impact, without pressing for a full medical history.
TRY SAYING
“What parts of work are harder right now?”
“What support would be helpful?”
“Let’s agree on the next step and a time to check in.”
LEAVE OUT
“You don’t look sick.”
“Everyone gets period pain.”
“Someone else has this and they’re fine.”
Keep it private: Discuss who needs to know what to implement support, and follow your HR and privacy process.
INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. PRACTICAL OPTIONS.
Explore what makes work more manageable.
Options depend on work barriers, essential duties and the organization’s process. Discuss them with the employee and the appropriate workplace contact.
- Flexible start times, appointment planning or a predictable schedule.
- Short breaks, seating, ergonomic changes or easier washroom access.
- Remote or hybrid work where suitable, or temporary changes to travel and physical duties.
- A clear contact, a written summary and a date to review what is working.
Examples for discussion: A checklist helps start a conversation. Apply the relevant human rights requirements and seek appropriate HR or legal advice for individual decisions.
Educational scope & trusted sources
This hub supports workplace education and awareness. Individual accommodation duties depend on the applicable federal, provincial or territorial law and the circumstances. Use your HR process and appropriate professional advice for specific decisions.
WHO: endometriosis ↗CCOHS: menstrual health at work ↗CHRC: federally regulated workplace accommodation ↗Resources reviewed for this hub October 14, 2026. General education; not individual medical, HR or legal advice.
YOUR EMPLOYER TOOLKIT
Useful before a conversation.
Useful after it, too.
Choose a practical starting point. Share awareness materials, equip managers, and keep support conversations clear.
Download the full employer kitLEADERS · WHOLE TEAMS
Supportive language guide
Helpful words to use—and phrases to leave out—when someone asks for workplace support.
PDF · 1 page · Conversation toolDownload language guideMANAGERS · HR TEAMS
Workplace support checklist
Scheduling, environment, equipment and communication options to explore together.
PDF · 1 page · Support checklistDownload support checklistMANAGERS · FOLLOW-UP
Conversation & follow-up template
A structured way to record work barriers, agreed actions and a review date through your HR process.
PDF · 1 page · Planning templateDownload follow-up templateEMPLOYEES · TAKE HOME
Employee pamphlet
An accessible introduction to endometriosis at work and preparing a support conversation.
PDF · 2 pages · BrochureDownload employee pamphletWHOLE TEAMS · AWARENESS
Endometriosis at Work poster
A printable reminder that listening, asking and offering practical support can make a difference.
PDF · 1 page · Workplace posterDownload awareness posterMAKE IT FIT YOUR WORKPLACE
Your team. Your starting point.
Choose an audience and delivery preference for a suggested approach.
YOUR SUGGESTED APPROACH
MADE POSSIBLE TOGETHERWorkplace partners
Workplace partners
are welcome.
Help bring endometriosis awareness and practical support into more workplace communities.
Discuss education, resource sharing or partnership opportunities with Endometriosis Canada.