The launch of BS30416 in 2023 represents a significant step forward for menstrual and peri/menopausal health in the workplace. With contributions from businesses, independent experts, professional bodies, and trade unions, the guide provides valuable insights to help organisations better support their workforce and retain experienced employees.
In the BSI guide on menstruation, several key myths are discussed. These myths often contribute to the misunderstanding and lack of support for menstruation and menopause in the workplace and highlight the importance of Mondays goals, achieving free period products for women in workplace environments.
Myths Around Menstruation and Menopause:
Myth 1: Everybody is talking about menopause and menstruation – the workplace does not need to/should not provide support.
Myth 2: Menstrual pain is not that bad and people who say it is have low pain thresholds.
Myth 3: Everybody’s experiences of menstruation and menopause are the same.
Myth 4: Menopause happens overnight.
Myth 5: Menopause only has an impact on women above the age of 45.
Myth 6: Post-menopause you do not experience any menopausal symptoms.
Myth 7: Menopause is much worse than menstruation – there is no support required for menstruation.
These myths not only undermine the importance of menstrual and menopausal health but also prevent many individuals from receiving the support they need in the workplace. At Mondays, we are committed to challenging these misconceptions by advocating for accessible and supportive solutions, such as providing free period products to help create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
As the standard mentions its policy guidance and practice to this approach, the excerpt reads "The organization’s approach to menstrual and peri/menopausal health should fit with the organization’s overall wellbeing and health strategies, policies and procedures. This increases the likelihood of any steps taken being effectively implemented and embedded into practice and culture."
In a time of global skills shortages, where recruitment and training costs are high, retaining talent and experience has never been more crucial. Unfortunately, research—including findings from this BSI guide—shows that some employees may be forced to leave the workplace due to a lack of appropriate support for menstrual and peri/menopausal symptoms.
This comprehensive guide highlights the key reasons for addressing this issue, the potential benefits for companies, and offers practical suggestions and checklists for implementing effective solutions. One of the core recommendations is providing "easy and free access to menstrual products," a point that aligns with our approach at Mondays.
The availability of menstrual products in bathrooms and changing facilities can significantly impact employee retention, productivity, engagement, and overall wellbeing. It also helps foster greater diversity and inclusion and contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Menstrual and peri/menopausal health in the workplace is central to our mission at Mondays. We are excited that the British Standards Institute has given this issue the attention it deserves. Furthermore, we are encouraged by the development of an ISO guide on this topic (ISO/CD 45010), which is currently at the committee stage. We believe that our products can make a meaningful contribution to organizations looking to implement BS30416 and future ISO standards.
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Thank you for reading. Follow this link to download the BS 30416 brochure on Menstruation, Menstrual Health, and Menopause in the Workplace: