Destigmatise it | We need to normalise talking about menstruation in the workplace, period

For many people with a uterus, period pains are something experienced for multiple days twelve times a year.

Despite studies that show many workers suffer from period pain, two-thirds of them have never taken time off because of it, this includes 40% who regularly get pain so bad that it impacts their ability to work effectively.

Having a period can affect your ability to work, so it doesn’t make sense not to recognise it in the workplace. Beyond period pains, going through menstruation has a myriad of other potential side effects and symptoms including backaches, headaches and bloating. In a survey, 84% of women said they wanted to see leave for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which can manifest as mood swings, irritability, and in some cases depression, implemented into UK law.

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'A step backwards' | 'Menopause leave' law setback doesn't mean HR can ignore the situation

Another survey shows that one in 10 women have quit their jobs due to menopause symptoms, which can include hot flushes, insomnia and mood changes, forcing experts to say women are experiencing ‘unnecessary misery’ and called for workplace adjustments to be made. In response, the British Standards Institute (BSI) launched guidelines to help firms with practical adjustments to better accommodate those facing symptoms associated with menstruation or menopause. Although this is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to encourage businesses to normalise conversations around menstruation and enable workers to take time off if needed.