New Study Reveals Menstrual Health’s Impact on Workplaces

New research from the University of Portsmouth highlights the often-overlooked issue of menstrual health in the workplace, revealing its significant effects on women’s well-being, attendance, and productivity. Published in the journal Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, this study represents a pioneering effort to systematically investigate the impact of severe menstrual symptoms at work, addressing a critical research gap and calling for more inclusive workplace policies.

The study’s findings indicate that societal taboos surrounding menstruation contribute to its neglect in workplace discussions. Terms like “feminine hygiene” often mask the reality of menstrual health, making it uncomfortable for women to address their needs openly. This stigma is further perpetuated by media representations, where advertisements for feminine hygiene products are heavily regulated and limited, stifling conversations about menstruation and women’s health.

Analyzing global research, the study identified common themes related to the challenges women face regarding menstrual health in their professional environments. Notably, it found that approximately 25% of women experience severe symptoms, which can include cramps, mood changes, and debilitating pain. A survey involving over 42,000 women aged 15 to 45 revealed that nearly 38% reported menstrual symptoms severe enough to disrupt their daily activities, including their work performance.

Key Findings on Workplace Well-Being

The research identified three critical themes: the impact on women’s overall workplace well-being, the relationship between menstrual health and absenteeism or presenteeism, and the need for supportive organizational policies. Professor Karen Johnston of the University’s School of Organizations, Systems and People highlighted that menstrual health is a largely underexplored area of research. She noted that while menopause has garnered increased attention, menstruation remains overlooked in academic studies and workplace discussions.

The findings underscore the importance of supporting employees experiencing menstrual health issues. The study revealed that organizations with effective support systems see improvements in productivity, reduced sick days, and greater employee engagement. Conversely, inadequate support can contribute to detrimental effects on women’s mental health, concentration, and overall job performance.

Despite the clear implications of menstrual health for workplace dynamics, the study found that only 18% of organizations provide any form of menstrual health support in their well-being initiatives. A mere 12% offer dedicated menstrual health programs, highlighting the urgent need for better understanding and policy development in this area.

Recommendations for Inclusive Policies

Lead author Amtullah Oluwakanyinsola Adegoke emphasized the need to destigmatize menstruation, stating, “We need to recognize that women and girls menstruate—it’s a natural part of life.” She urged that the needs of menstruating individuals should be acknowledged as essential to workplace health and inclusivity.

The study advocates for more inclusive working environments through measures like menstrual leave, flexible working options, access to hygiene products, and fostering open conversations about menstrual health. Currently, in the U.K., there is no legal requirement for paid menstrual leave, leaving employees to rely on standard sick leave when faced with severe symptoms.

Professor Johnston concluded, “It shouldn’t be a taboo topic—it should be part of an organization’s health and well-being agenda.” She called for organizations to explore flexible working arrangements and provide training on menstrual health to better support employees facing challenges related to severe menstrual symptoms.

The research underscores a critical need for organizations to address menstrual health openly and effectively, fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

For further details, refer to the study published by Amtullah Oluwakanyinsola Adegoke et al, “Menstrual discrimination: period pain, productivity and performativity,” in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1108/edi-12-2024-0591.