Workplace menopause standard a 'step in right direction'

The Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace standard has been introduced by the British Standards Institute to help organisations retain experienced and talented staff.

IOSH was among several organisations which were part of the technical committee behind the standard, known as BS 30416. The Institution has labelled it as “a step in the right direction” and is calling on employers to make use of it as part of their overall approach to managing risks to workers’ health.

Dr Karen Michell, an occupational health specialist at IOSH said, “Menstruation and menopause can and often do have physical, mental and emotional effects on women and their ability to cope with work. Yet very few workplaces and managers are knowledgeable on how to address these issues and the preventive role that occupational health and safety can play.

“This new standard is a step in the right direction. We are keen to ensure that businesses take it on board and use it as part of a rounded approach to managing occupational health risks. Doing so can have huge benefits for both the businesses themselves and their people.”

Research from the Fawcett Society suggested about 10 per cent of those experiencing menopause have left the workplace because of symptoms including hot flushes, dizziness, insomnia, and muscle and joint stiffness.

Recommendations in the standard include employers considering whether there is a general awareness of menstruation and menopause in its culture and whether employees are able to have open conversations or can request support.

Also suggested is suitable training for line managers and HR managers, reviewing the workplace environment to ensure there are facilities such as quiet recovery spaces or discrete changing rooms, and options for flexible working.