Endometriosis and workplace inequities: exploring the factors influencing workplace absenteeism and presenteeism

Endometriosis affects ~5–14% of women/those presumed female at birth, with
debilitating symptoms profoundly affecting workforce participation. This cross-sectional survey of 389 employed Australians with self-reported endometriosis examined associations between symptoms, workplace supports, absenteeism, and presenteeism, using the EndoCost-adapted WPAI tool. Chronic pelvic pain, nausea, fatigue, and opioid use were associated with increased work impairment. Workplace flexibility and supportive managers showed univariate associations with improved outcomes; however,older age was the strongest independent predictor of reduced absenteeism and presenteeism in multiple regression analyses. Despite Safe Work Australia Guidelines (2019), endometriosis continues to substantially impact workplace participation,particularly among younger employees.