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. Figures from charity Bloody Good Period show 89% of female employees have experienced anxiety or stress in the workplace, 63% want their employer to normalise the conversation about menstruation at work, 59% want their employer to provide more information to support them and 25% report the time they had to take off due to menstrual health issues has impacted their career.
As with menopause before it, 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.
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
- E-learning options
- The chance to apply for The Menstruation Friendly Accreditation
“Having successfully broken the taboo around menopause in the workplace, we are keenly aware that employees and employers now want to tackle the stigma around menstruation and associated female health conditions,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace. “Removing the stigma around menstruation at work promotes gender equity, makes colleagues feel valued at work and allows them to have a far better chance of performing in their job to the highest level of their ability.”
Business reasons for being Menstruation Friendly
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.
“Our Menstruation Friendly programme seeks to change the way people think and feel about menstruation in the workplace,” continues Deborah. “As with menopause before it, we need to stop people feeling that they ‘just have to get on with it’ and create an environment where menstrual health issues don’t get in the way of someone achieving their potential in the workplace. Quite apart from supporting people today, by setting new standards and following best practice, employers can create a different experience for future generations.”
