America's work force has changed in the last 50 years. Though men
still outnumber women in the workforce, the percent of women working has
steadily increased from 34% in 1950s to 60% today. The percent of men
working has been decreasing during this time, from 84% in the 50s to
only 73% working today. 1
Women are now marrying later in life, staying in school longer,
delaying childbirth, and having fewer children than in previous years. 2 More women are choosing to continue working while also balancing the traditional parenting responsibilities. 1
Work-related health challenges facing women
Women face different workplace health challenges than men. This is
partly because men and women tend to have different kinds of jobs. 3
Women generally have more work-related cases of carpal tunnel syndrome,
tendonitis, respiratory diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases,
and anxiety and stress disorders. 4
Social, economic, and cultural factors also put women at risk for
injury and illness. For example, women are more likely than men to do
contingent work part-time, temporary, or contract work. Compared to
workers in traditional job arrangements, contingent workers have lower
incomes and fewer benefits. Like all workers in insecure jobs, women may
fear that bringing up a safety issue could result in job loss or more
difficult work situations. They may also be less likely to report a
work-related injury.
Within America's workforce, immigrant women are a particularly
at-risk group. They face barriers related to their immigrant status as
well as issues in balancing work, home, and family. Compared to
native-born women, immigrant women work in industries and jobs with much
higher injury rates. 5
Sexist treatment and gender discrimination in the workplace can
affect a woman's physical and mental health. Sexual harassment can lead
to
- anxiety
- depression
- lower self-esteem
- alienation
- insomnia
- nausea
- headaches
Balancing work and family tasks can put additional stress on women,
who in many families still take primary responsibility for childcare and
eldercare. When family and work demands collide, the resulting stress
can lead to physical health problems such as poor appetite, lack of
sleep, increase in blood pressure, fatigue, and increased susceptibility
to infection. It can also result in mental health problems such as
burnout and depression.
Learn more about these issues and others facing women workers:
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