A new report reveals Australia's economy loses $26.6 billion annually due to untreated reproductive health issues, highlighting the need for a national entitlement of 12 days of reproductive leave.
Australia's economy suffers an annual loss of $26.6 billion due to decreased productivity caused by untreated reproductive health issues, according to a new report. The findings have prompted calls for a national entitlement of 12 days of reproductive leave.
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report, commissioned by the Health Services Union, Aware Super, and the Queensland Council of Trade Unions, highlights the substantial economic impact of absenteeism, presenteeism, and career disruptions linked to reproductive health concerns. The report states that severe menstrual pain alone costs women nearly nine productive days per year, while those experiencing menopause with severe symptoms face a 25 percent decline in productivity. Presenteeism, working while unwell or in pain, significantly contributes to Australia's $26.6 billion annual productivity loss from untreated reproductive health issues. Unlike absenteeism, where individuals take time off, presenteeism often leads to reduced efficiency and prolonged suffering as employees push through severe symptoms. Endometriosis, affecting one in seven women, has had a devastating impact on careers, with one in three forced to change jobs, forgo promotions, or alter career paths due to debilitating symptoms. 'Endometriosis is not just a health issue; it's a career issue,' said Kate Marshall, national senior assistant secretary of the Health Services Union. 'This powerful research exposes the financial impact of ignoring reproductive health. The $26 billion annual cost isn't just an abstract number — it reflects real lives disrupted and real productivity lost.' The report estimates that implementing 12 days of paid reproductive leave for all Australians would cost employers $920 million annually — a small fraction of the cost of inaction. Marshall described the proposed leave as a win-win solution, reducing absenteeism, improving productivity, and enabling workers to manage their health with dignity. 'Providing access to paid leave will allow people to rest, heal, and treat these conditions without worrying about financial and workplace consequences,' she said. Reproductive leave would cover conditions such as severe menstrual pain, menopause, endometriosis, IVF treatments, vasectomies, gender transitioning therapies, and other reproductive health issues. The Health Services Union is campaigning for this entitlement to be included in the national employment standards, which set minimum conditions for Australian workers. If implemented, it would make Australia a global leader in reproductive leave policy. Paul Healey, Victorian secretary of the Health and Community Services Union, said the proposal would revolutionize workplace equity. 'Reproductive leave would be a game-changer for Australia and a world first because we are pushing for the 12 days to be available to all genders,' Healey said. 'Too many people are draining other types of leave to deal with their reproductive health. Every worker, regardless of their reproductive health challenges, should have the best chance to stay at work.' The report points to success stories abroad, noting that reproductive leave policies in countries including Japan and Italy have reduced absenteeism and staff turnover
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PRODUCTIVITY LOSS LEAVE POLICY ENDOMETRIOSIS PRESENTEESIM
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