Menstruation affects half the world’s population for a very significant part of their life. Despite this, there is a stigma attached to talking openly about menstruation, especially at work. Research conducted by Henpicked: Menstruation Friendly and FitrWoman polled over 750 employers and employees on the topic of menstrual health in the workplace.

Responses to their Breaking the Cycle survey revealed a state of affairs which needs to be addressed:

• 76% of employees report menstrual health symptoms impact their work performance
• 61% of employees want menstruation to be recognised as a reason for absence
• 83% of employees think their workplace should have a menstruation friendly policy
• 64% of employers haven’t had expert training to be confident when having a conversation about menstrual health with employees

Menstrual health issues affect people differently, but Breaking the Cycle showed the most common problems faced in the workplace are 77% experience period pain or pre-menstrual tension, 55% have experienced menstrual flooding or leaking and 53% have been caught out at work without period products. Just over a third, 34%, have been stuck in a meeting or at a workstation unable to explain or excuse themselves.

Business reasons for being Menstruation Friendly

Breaking the taboo about menstruation in the workplace is vital to promote gender equity and ensure female colleagues feel supported and valued at work. The recently published BSI Menstruation, Menstrual Health and Menopause in the Workplace guidance (BS30416) further highlighted the importance for employers to make changes, but it can be difficult for managers to know where to start.

The business benefits of being menstruation friendly cannot be under-estimated. By supporting and nurturing their female staff, Menstruation Friendly employers will boost gender equity, increase their wellbeing, reduce absenteeism and improve productivity. Furthermore, being menstruation friendly will help to attract and retain talent as people opt to work for an employer who cares for their welfare and demonstrates a commitment to equity.

Introducing Menstruation Friendly

In direct response to requests from employers for guidance and resources, the award-winning, industry-recognised team behind Menopause Friendly – Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace – has launched a Menstruation Friendly community to give employer members access to a comprehensive programme of on-site and online education and training resources.

Taking employers step-by-step, the Menstruation Friendly membership will include:

• Education resources (including Menopause Friendly Standards)
• Workplace Training
• Monthly Webinars
• Library of ‘best practice’ policies
• Engagement toolkits
• Masterclasses