Improving Menstrual Health Provisions at Work

New research from Heriot-Watt University reveals that workplaces must significantly enhance their support for employees who menstruate. Women, trans, and non-binary individuals managing periods at work continue to face stigma, silence, and neglect.

Persistent Challenges and Recommendations

Researchers found that poorly informed managers, inadequate washroom facilities, and pervasive shame, particularly around menstrual bleeding, are routine issues. Recommendations for improvement include:

• Education: Comprehensive menstrual health education for organizations and managers.

• Facilities: Better toilet provisions and shower facilities in all work environments.

• Uniforms: Reviewing uniforms and personal protective equipment to ensure suitability for those managing menstruation.

Insights from the Research

The study, led by Professor Kate Sang, focuses on women researchers but has broader implications across all genders and career stages. It highlights that menstrual health, including periods, menopause, and perimenopause, remains under-researched and poorly understood in workplace contexts.

Workers in remote and non-office locations, in particular, face challenges managing their symptoms due to inadequate facilities and understanding.

Menstrual Stigma and Inadequate Equipment

Based on an evidence review and over 50 interviews with women in diverse settings, the study uncovers that menstrual stigma, especially related to blood, significantly impacts working women's lives. In laboratories, for instance, personal protective equipment is often designed for men, with sizes and fabrics unsuitable for menstruating individuals.

Special Considerations for Diverse Groups

The research also highlights the additional challenges faced by neurodivergent, trans, racially minoritized, and disabled researchers. For example, generic lab coats and overalls in white, often ill-fitting, must be personally washed by the researchers, complicating period management, especially in remote locations.

Leading Voices and Future Impact

Chiara Cocco, a research associate at Heriot-Watt University, emphasizes the difficulties faced by researchers due to inadequate clothing and facilities. She hopes that amplifying these often-silenced voices will lead to positive workplace changes.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions

The researchers are working with employers to initiate workplace changes and remove identified barriers. They aim to enhance the understanding of how different workplaces affect women, trans, and non-binary people.

The study is part of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Caucus (EDICa), led by Professor Sang, and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the British Academy.