Support | Why periods shouldn't be a taboo subject at work

There are several things that are shamefully still major challenges that employers must contend with such as mental health, bullying and harassment. All of which are things that may not be visible on the surface, but are all very real issues affecting employees across the UK.

One such subject that is still seen as a taboo for many are periods; according to a survey of 2,000 menstruators, almost half (46%) shared that there is still a noticeable stigma around the issue within the organisation they work for.

The DPG report revealed that 74% of respondents feel that it is necessary to conceal sanitary products at work, 70% claim they’d feel uncomfortable discussing the topic with colleagues and managers and one third believe that their fellow peers do not take period pain seriously. As a result, 57% of those who suffer from period-related illnesses have had to lie about their reasons for taking a sick day.

Respondents even went so far as to say that they had experienced negative comments while on their period, as 13% said they had heard phrases such as ‘It’s not a real illness’, ‘It’s because she’s on the rag’, 'You’re just lazy’, ‘My wife manages, so why can’t you?’ and ‘Can we call it girls’ week?’.