In today’s world we should all feel comfortable talking about periods, however, the reality is many people who menstruate feel shame and embarrassment. There is a definite stigma attached to periods at workplace. Periods are a bodily function like being hungry or thirsty but are still a taboo subject.
Stigma attached to periods
According to research from DPG, almost half of workers who experience periods said there is a noticeable stigma around the issue at the organization they work for. This stigma leads to silence and a lack of support at work. Although not everyone will experience symptoms, supporting those who do will improve their wellbeing at work and minimize any impact on productivity and attendance.
There is currently a lack of conversation around menstruation in the workplace, where the menstruator is unable to discuss period at all with their colleagues or managers. This trend is more prominent in male dominated workspaces, where most of the menstruators feel completely unable to address or discuss this bodily function at work.
Every 1 in 10 menstruators have experienced derogatory comments about their period while at work, for example saying, “it’s because she’s on the rag.” Colleagues attributing someone’s mood, actions, or look to “that time of the month” adds to the stigma. Normalizing periods will help to create an inclusive environment.
Understanding the impact of period stigma
Period stigma is felt in numerous ways. Firstly, it impacts on health and wellbeing. The lack of empathy and openness around periods minimizes and dismisses period pain.
People who menstruate experience a range of medical issues from cramps to endometriosis and migraines but many of those who suffer have had to lie to their managers about the reason for sick days. If workers felt able to speak honestly and openly, employers would be able to better provide support for them in the workplace.
Period stigma can manifest itself in numerous different ways, from explicit comments to lack of conversation and facilities. Letting people know you are open to conversation without forcing them to immediately take part can be a significant step in the right direction. You can also try to introduce menstruation conversations to your workplace dialogue in an indirect way. As well as being awkward for the employee, this could have knock on effects for their health at work. If workers are made comfortable enough to speak honestly and openly about the reasons for their sick days, they would be able to better provide support for them in the workplace.
The reasons for not disclosing period related health problems don’t entirely stem from lack of conversation. A number of women feel their colleagues don’t take period pain seriously, stating that their period pain “is not a real illness”.
Negative associations with periods, a sense of somehow being unclean, also affects behaviors within the workplace. Many feel as though they must hide any sanitary products at work.
Impart training
As with other health and wellness issues, training for staff, particularly managers, can be helpful for overcoming stigma. Training around periods could be done by external speakers, or in a more informal manner. A recent US project has created a board game to get people talking about and understanding periods a bit more. Getting people involved with an activity like this could help break down barriers.
Providing menstrual support in the workplace
There are a number of practical actions you can take to support your staff:
Include menstruation policy
Introducing policies around periods empowers staff and supports their wellbeing and productivity. Policies can cover menstrual leave which allows workers who experience painful menstrual symptoms options for remote work and a set number of paid leave days every year. The policy can also cover reasonable adjustments, flexible working, awareness raising activities and provision of facilities and products.
Access to period products
Provide free sanitary products and bins in toilets this should be as normal as having access to toilet roll or soap. Ensure sanitary bins are in all toilet spaces.
Provide rest breaks
Ensure adequate rest breaks to take medication or have a short rest. Most people only need a relatively short amount of time to manage menstrual symptoms before being able to return to work.
What are the benefits of providing period support?
Being proactive in helping people manage their wellbeing in the workplace, in any way they need, will lead to loyalty and will support happy and productive teams.
It is essential in ensuring people’s dignity and prioritizing people’s health. It’s time to break down stigma and ensure no one is put at a disadvantage in the workplace, from menstruation.