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BSI, the UK National Standards Body, has published the menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace standard (BS 30416).
BSI, the UK National Standards Body, has published the menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace standard (BS 30416).
It sets out practical recommendations for workplace adjustments, as well as strategies to sit alongside existing well-being initiatives, to help organizations meet the needs of employees experiencing menopause or menstruation.
BS 30416 has been developed to help organizations identify misconceptions around menstruation and peri/menopause and the impact a taboo surrounding them can have on workplace support.
The standard aims to provide examples of good practices for employers, including policy guidance, work design, workplace culture, and physical aspects of work. Steps to consider include:
• Considering the workplace culture to determine whether there is a general awareness of menstruation and menopause and whether employees are given opportunities for open conversations or to request support.
• Looking at whether line managers and HR managers are suitably trained or receive suitable resources to understand the potential impact of menstruation and menopause.
• Reviewing if the workplace environment is properly controlled and if there are facilities such as toilets or discrete changing rooms, or quiet recovery spaces easily accessible.
• Checking whether the relevant policies (well-being, D&I, performance management, sickness and absences, flexible working, etc.) consider menstruation and menopause.
• Looking at whether work designs enable some flexibility for an individual approach. Aspects could include scheduling, timings of breaks, comfort adjustments such as access to individual cooling or heating, and opportunities for sitting or stretching.
The guidance is designed to be flexible, acknowledging that experiences of menstruation and menopause vary significantly and not everyone will want support from their employers.
Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors, BSI, said: “Data suggests thousands of women are leaving the workforce at this stage... The recommendations are designed to address some of the broad challenges and offer practical adjustments to help all colleagues continue to feel valued, motivated and able to remain in the workforce for longer.”
Helen Tomlinson, Menopause Employment Champion for the UK Government, said: “This [free resource] will go a long way to ensure that everyone can receive the support they need at this critical time.”
Click here to download the guide and to virtually join the BS 30416, Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace launch event on 5th July.
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