Menopause and menstruation steering launched for workplaces to assist workers

A brand new office commonplace has been launched for companies to assist workers experiencing menopause or menstruation.

The British Standards Institute (BSI) has revealed the brand new steering to assist organisations retain skilled and gifted workers after a session with consultants and the general public.

The Menstruation, menstrual well being and menopause within the office commonplace (BS 30416) units out sensible suggestions for office changes in addition to methods that may assist employers meet the wants of these experiencing menopause or menstruation.

It comes after analysis from the Fawcett Society urged about 10% of these experiencing menopause have left the office because of signs equivalent to sizzling flushes, dizziness, insomnia, and muscle and joint stiffness.

This determine rises to 25% for these with extra extreme signs.

Wm Morrison and BT in addition to representatives from Unison, the Federation of Small Businesses, the LGBT Foundation, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the Daisy Network and Endometriosis UK all gave enter to the event of BS 30416.

The suggestions embody workplaces contemplating whether or not there’s a common consciousness of menstruation and menopause in its tradition and whether or not workers have alternatives for open conversations or to request assist.

Suitable coaching for line managers and HR managers, reviewing the office setting to incorporate amenities equivalent to quiet restoration areas or discrete altering rooms, and choices for versatile working are additionally among the many steering.

Anne Hayes, director of sectors on the BSI, stated: “Organisations which prioritise their people by building an inclusive workplace will be best placed to continue to thrive in the future.

“There is no one-size-fits-all experience of menopause, but the data suggests thousands of women are leaving the workforce at this stage, contributing to significant productivity losses, robbing organisations of talented people, and removing mentors who can draw on their experience to support newer members of staff. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

Helen Tomlinson, menopause employment champion for the UK Government, stated: “I am truly delighted that the BSI have produced the Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace standard, recognising the challenges, symptoms and experiences of both menopause and menstrual health and how these can affect women in the workplace.

“It’s a free resource for any organisation, large or small across all sectors, to be able to utilise. This will go a long way to ensure that everyone can receive the support they need at this critical time.

“I firmly believe this transition isn’t a time to step back, step down or step out. If we get this right for 50% of the population that we need in the workplace from an economic and experience perspective, it has the potential to make the final 10, 15 or 20 years of a woman’s career the most productive, exciting and meaningful.”