About EveryBody@Work

Our Purpose

EveryBody@Work exists to create supportive, inclusive workplaces for people living with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. We help people get fair support at work so they can thrive, and we help workplaces lift wellbeing, productivity and retention.

Our Story

EveryBody@Work began as a three-year PhD project led by Danielle Howe and supervised by A/Prof Mike Armour, Dr Michelle O’Shea and Dr Sarah Duffy Western Sydney University. The project started as Endo@Work, a focused program addressing the everyday barriers faced by employees with endometriosis.

Across the project we:

  • Codesigned with people living and working with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain

  • Worked closely with managers, HR and senior leaders in Australian workplaces

  • Built and refined practical tools that real teams could use

As the work matured and workplaces asked for broader support, we rebranded to EveryBody@Work. The new name reflects our goal to support people with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain first, and to scale the same model to other chronic conditions and disabilities over time.

Our Evidence Base

EveryBody@Work is grounded in research and tested in Australian settings.

  • National survey and qualitative studies with employees and employers informed the design

  • A pilot in an Australian workplace with more than 1,000 employees tested feasibility and impact

  • Findings show clearer conversations, earlier adjustments, fewer unplanned absences and improved productivity

  • Measures include validated tools for attendance, productivity, job satisfaction and health-related quality of life

Why co-design matters

People with lived experience are experts in what works. We codesign to ensure policies and processes are usable on real teams, respectful of privacy, and simple to run. Managers and leaders help shape the materials so they fit day-to-day operations.

Meet the Team

  • Danielle Howe

    Danielle Howe, PhD Candidate  at NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University focused on reproductive health, health equity, and workplace inclusion.

  • Associate Professor Mike Armour

    Associate Professor Mike Armour, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

  • Dr Michelle O’Shea

    Dr Michelle O’Shea is an interdisciplinary gender equity scholar at Western Sydney University, focused on addressing inequities in work, education, and health.

  • Dr Sarah Duffy

    Dr Sarah Duffy is a gender equity scholar in the School of Business at Western Sydney University.