A holistic approach to navigating menstruation in the workplace
Whether it's physical symptoms such as cramps and bloating or emotional symptoms such as mood swings, many of your workforce may be dealing with menstrual symptoms. This can have an impact on all aspects of their lives, both personal and professional. In fact, 69% of women we surveyed reported that they suffer from menstruation symptoms and 81% of these women told us that it affects work. With so many of your employees affected, how your company reacts and shows support is vital for workplace morale and effectiveness.
39% of women surveyed suffer from heavy periods or flooding.
That's not all - 48% experience painful periods and 36% encounter infrequent, irregular or prolonged periods.
While this topic is often avoided in the workplace, many women report that they are suffering from symptoms daily, and say this has an impact on their work.
Menstruation in the workplace
Menstruation is a normal part of life, and so many women deal with the symptoms daily. However, very few are willing to speak about what they are experiencing in the workplace. This is particularly true in front of male colleagues. When asked, 63% of women said they would be reluctant to talk about women’s health issues, such as menstruation, in front of male colleagues. But, according to our insights, 17% of women reported that their symptoms always interfere with work. This means that many of your employees could be suffering in silence, and this may be affecting your workplace.
Workplace supports
Our research also suggests that many workplaces are still not addressing the needs of their female employees when it comes to menstruation. 38% of women told us that their company makes sanitary products available to them, but beyond the availability of these products, other workplace supports are available to only 20% of women, or less. This includes agreed time off for women’s health issues, webinars or seminars focusing on women’s health and the offer of health assessments for employees, which include female-specific tests.
Certain foods can positively impact menstrual health.
A diet including iron-rich foods, leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids can support a healthier menstrual cycle.
How you can support your workforce
Seeking help or talking about health issues isn’t always easy for employees, particularly when they relate to issues that are specific to women’s health. Creating a supportive workplace environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their menstrual health concerns is key.
Building a holistic women’s health programme can help you foster a workplace culture where employees feel understood and supported through all aspects of their health, including menstruation. Not to mention, further-reaching impacts such as increased employee satisfaction, engagement and productivity, with less unexplained absences, helping you to retain your best talent. Here are some areas for you to consider including as part of this programme:
Exercise and menstruation
54% of women told us that they're interested in using exercise to relieve their physical symptoms. However, many find their usual activity schedule affected by menstruation. Some forms of exercise, including yoga and Pilates, can help ease discomfort and increase the production of endorphins; our bodies’ feel-good hormones.
Relaxation treatments
Treatments such as massage and acupuncture can help to relieve the physical symptoms and pain associated with menstruation by relaxing muscles and promoting the release of endorphins.
Holistic exercises
Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and controlled breathing offer valuable tools for managing the physical symptoms and the mental and emotional aspects of menstruation.
Workplace awareness
Raising women's health awareness in the workplace will help your employees thrive and support an all-round healthier business. 47% of women feel that they have a limited understanding of how to treat women’s health issues. But don't just focus on women. 80% of our female respondents agreed that having a better understanding of women’s health issues would help men work better with female colleagues.
Raising awareness can take many forms. Host wellbeing seminars, workshops and training, acknowledge menstruation as a normal part of life in wellness discussions and include reference to menstruation and menstrual health conditions in workplace policies.
Onsite supports
Having access to free sanitary products is a simple and effective way of addressing menstruation within the workplace. If budget is a constraint, consider placing an honesty box beside the products so that they are still openly available as needed.
Provide flexibility
Many menstrual health conditions can be unpredictable and can affect women differently. Offering flexibility in working hours and supporting working from home will help women, particularly around their period. Taking a flexible and individualised approach to absence management can help prevent unhealthy presenteeism and avoid unfairly penalising employees.
Vhi supports and how we can help*
We’re committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of your workforce, and we believe that building a holistic women’s health programme can empower your team to thrive and create a supportive, happy work environment. Below are just some of the supports we have available to help you and your employees with this.
Holistic Menstrual Care
Many plans offer cover towards acupuncture, GP visits and the intrauterine system (IUS) hormonal coil. Check the Table of Benefits to learn more.
Vhi Wellness Portal
Access a variety of wellness programmes, from improving sleep to managing stress. Talk to your account lead to learn more.
Community Events
Access to expert-led talks and our Remote Gym series. Talk to your account lead to learn more.
Mindfulness and Meditation Apps
€30 off an annual subscription to Headspace or Calm apps.
Employee Assistance Programme
Confidential counselling and support, designed to support your employee’s overall wellbeing.
* Please note some services and benefits are plan dependent.
Vhi Healthcare DAC trading as Vhi Healthcare is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Vhi Healthcare is tied to Vhi Insurance DAC for health insurance in Ireland which is underwritten by Vhi Insurance DAC.