As the leading provider of menopause in the workplace training and resources, there have been many occasions when other aspects of female health have been discussed with our Menopause Friendly employer members.  

Menstruation is clearly a challenge for many women in the workplace but, much like talking about the menopause, it is often seen as a taboo subject.  

This has to change!  It is hugely important that employers recognise the impact menstruation is having on people who work for them and look to support their colleagues. Breaking the taboo about menstruation 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.

Why employers must be Menstruation Friendly

• To break the stigma around menstruation and menstrual health
• To create the reality that menstrual health issues do not get in the way of someone’s working life and career
• To stop those struggling feeling that they ‘just have to get on with it’ and ask for help if they need it
• To create a working environment which understands and supports women
• To create a different experience for future generations

Welcome to Menstruation Friendly Membership and Accreditation

In response to such high demand from employers and the rising awareness around the need to better manage menstruation in the workplace, we established Menstruation Friendly. Within days, we had five founding employer members with American Express, BAE Systems, Cadent Gas, Huddersfield Football Club and RSA Insurance stepping up to the plate and leading the way. Kudos to them all!

Our Menstruation Friendly community gives employer members access to a comprehensive programme education and training resources. Taking employers step-by-step, the Menstruation Friendly membership will include:

• Education resources (including Menopause Friendly Standards)
• Monthly Webinars
• Library of ‘best practice’ policies
• Engagement toolkits
• Masterclasses
• The chance to apply for The Menstruation Friendly Accreditation

Business reasons for being Menstruation Friendly

Quite apart from boosting gender equity, nurturing staff and prioritising their wellbeing, there are several compelling business reasons for employers to be Menstruation Friendly:

• Reduce absenteeism – 87% of respondents in research conducted by Bloody Good Period said they have had to lie to their line manager about their reason for time off due to sickness
• Improve productivity – 70% of respondents said they struggle to carry out their work to their desired standard due to their period
• Remove the stigma – 63% of respondents want their employer to normalise the conversation about menstruation at work while 50% believe there to be a noticeable stigma in their place of work
• Reduce anxiety and stress – 89% of female employees said they have experienced anxiety or stress in the workplace
• Retain and attract talent – as you will be rightly recognised as a supportive and understanding employer

Don’t just take our word for it!

Here’s what two of our Menstruation Friendly employers told us.

“Having been talking to our colleagues around the menopause for the last two years, we felt it was only natural to open up the conversation around menstrual health too. We were nervous about how this would be received, but we needn’t have been. We’ve already hosted five Menstrual Health Support Cafes, two of those with employees wanting to share their personal stories around PCOS and Endometriosis and we are making great progress in this space.  We’re very much looking forward to becoming a Menstruation Friendly Accredited organisation and seeing how this benefits everyone in our organisation”. 

Helen Simpson, HR Advice Leader at RSA

“Following the huge impact that becoming a Menopause Friendly employer has had on all our colleagues affected by this stage of life, we are excited to be working towards our menstruation friendly accreditation next. Women experience 12 periods a year for around 40 years of their lives with varying degrees of symptoms suffered and we are keen to start the conversation within Cadent to break down barriers and stigmas surrounding menstruation. In addition, statistics suggest that around 250 women in our company will be suffering with conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome and supporting these women, and others with difficult symptoms, in any way they may need is something that is very important to us.” 

Jodi Gerrella, Hydrogen Framework Specialist for Cadent Gas Limited