How to support menstrual health at work

As anyone who has had a period at work will know, there are all sorts of issues to contend with, from cramps and headaches to trying to sneak a tampon to the loo with you (even though we really shouldn’t have to be embarrassed about that).

Then there’s the fact that no one’s cycle is perfectly regular, so unexpected bleeding can happen at any time – leaving you stranded without supplies.

Because talking about periods is still taboo, it’s not always easy to ask a colleague for a tampon – especially if you work in a male-dominated environment. You could pop out to the shop but what if there isn’t one close by, or it only sells expensive, non-sustainable products?

For many, periods cause even greater challenges. A Bupa survey of 2,000 people who menstruate revealed that 23% have had to take time off work because of their period. Another 36% said they were embarrassed to share the real reason for taking time off.

The same research found that two thirds (67%) would rather have periods less than once a month and 34% would choose not to have them at all. The result? Using hormonal contraceptives to reduce or even stop their monthly bleeds.

While we’re not suggesting people shouldn’t have the choice to do this if they want to – and it can be really helpful for those who struggle with heavy periods or menstrual conditions – it doesn’t seem right that anyone should have to turn to medication just to avoid workplace awkwardness.

Work can be stressful at the best of times. And as we’ve seen, when you’re also having to contend with the various challenges that come with being on your period, that’s only going to increase.

This stress can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health – which in turn makes us less effective employees. Stress has been shown to dampen our creativity, productivity and overall engagement at work. Plus it can lead to issues with our metabolism, memory and sleep, all of which also affect our ability to work well.

While employers can’t make periods go away, they can help reduce the stress caused by not having access to period products. Stocking these in office bathrooms has huge benefits for employees, which in turn benefits the business.

If you’re not convinced, perhaps consider how everyone would feel if we decided people should bring their own toilet roll and soap to work. Ridiculous, right?

Providing period products at work is just the beginning. Forward thinking employers need to open up the conversation around periods in the same way that we’ve begun to talk more candidly about mental health challenges.

If we can make periods less taboo, we’ll begin to see where else we can be making small but significant changes that will support employees who menstruate, and help them feel better and work better.

Here are some other ideas for employers to consider:

• Develop policies that support employees who get periods
• Offer reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working, for those who suffer with period related pain
• Have clear systems in place for menstrual conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis
• Ensure that managers are informed about reproductive and menstrual health
• Include menstrual health in your wider inclusion strategy

With the employment market like it is, and employees increasingly choosing new roles based as much – if not more – on values and culture as on money, this is not a subject businesses can afford to ignore.