It’s been two years since the launch of BS 30416 – Menstruation, Menstrual Health and Menopause in the Workplace, a comprehensive workplace standard developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in collaboration with subject matter experts, including Henpicked.
To mark the second anniversary of this landmark publication, Henpicked hosted a special event bringing together industry leaders, HR professionals, wellbeing experts and employers committed to building inclusive, supportive workplaces. The session wasn’t just about celebrating a milestone, it was about recognising the progress made, showcasing best practice in action and sharing insights to make it easier for every employer to take meaningful steps forward.
Why BS 30416 matters
BS 30416:2023 offers comprehensive guidance to help organisations understand the issues around menstruation and menopause at work and identify ways to create a more inclusive environment. It doesn’t cover implementation, that’s where the Menopause Friendly Membership and Accreditation comes in, offering structured support, training and practical tools to turn this guidance into meaningful action.
The standard was developed to support workplaces in breaking taboos, addressing stigma and improving the working lives of those affected by menstruation and menopause, issues that impact not only individual wellbeing, but also talent retention, productivity and business performance.
A growing global impact
Since its launch in 2023, BS 30416 has been downloaded in over 142 countries by more than 11,000 organisations, from small businesses to global corporations. Nearly half of these have already implemented part or all of the guidance, showing clear demand for change.
Feedback from employers shows a positive shift:
- More conversations happening openly at work
- Increased access to flexible working
- More inclusive policies and better manager training
Case studies from organisations like Virgin Media O2, Marks & Spencer, Oxford Brookes University and the Welsh Parliament reveal the tangible impact of embedding BS 30416 principles, especially when paired with Menopause Friendly Accreditation, which helps organisations implement, evaluate and continuously improve their support.
Moving from guidance to action
As discussed in the session, the most successful employers are those who:
- Listen to their people – asking what’s getting in the way of being at their best and what support would make a difference
- Build a clear business case – improving inclusion, wellbeing, engagement and retention
- Focus on culture change – embedding support into everyday working life
- Train their managers – giving them the confidence to handle conversations and provide appropriate support
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation helps organisations achieve exactly that, through tailored advice, a structured framework and CPD-accredited training, now adopted by over 600 members, including more than 150 who have achieved full independent accreditation.
Looking ahead
BSI is now working with international stakeholders to develop a global ISO standard based on BS 30416, another sign that menstrual and menopausal health is gaining traction as a vital part of the workplace inclusion agenda. This is supported by Menopause Friendly Australia and Midovia, our partner in the US.
Meanwhile, proposed policy developments, including the Equality Action Plan element of the UK Employment Rights Bill, could soon make workplace support for menstruation and menopause mandatory for all employers with over 250 employees, not just a best practice.
Whether prompted by legislation or a desire to do better by their people, the message is clear: employers have everything they need to act now.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to wait for a deadline. The tools are there, the case is clear and the benefits are huge for individuals, for organisations and for society.
