The British Standards Institute (BSI) has launched new standards for menstruation, menstrual health and menopause support in the workplace.

Put together with the support of major UK employers, unions, charities, healthcare professionals and specialists, the standards offer examples of best practice for employers in a variety of areas, including policies, workplace culture, work design and physical environment.

Whilst organisations are not legally required to follow these standards, they could help employers address gaps in their health and wellbeing strategy, as well as improve retention of affected staff. We have previously covered menopause at work, including findings that 45% of women felt menopausal symptoms had a negative impact on their work, whilst almost a million have reportedly left their jobs as a result of menopause symptoms.

Some of the recommendations outlined in the standards include:

• Consideration of the workplace culture to determine whether there is there an awareness of menstruation and menopause, and whether employees have opportunities for open conversations or request support.
• Looking at whether line managers and HR are suitably trained or receive resources to help them understand the potential impact of menstruation and menopause.
• Considering whether there are facilities such as toilets, discrete changing rooms or quiet recovery spaces.
• Checking whether HR policies consider menstruation and menopause.
• Exploring whether there is opportunity for job flexibility or an individual approach, including scheduling, timing of breaks, access to individual cooling or heating, and opportunities for sitting or stretching.

Reflecting on this topic, My HR Hub Director Rebecca Bull commented: “The release of these standards by the BSI marks another step forward for addressing menopause and menstrual health at work. After the Government rejected proposals for a trial of menopause leave, I’m glad to see the BSI step up in place.

“Slowly but surely, we’re seeing more awareness of these issues with businesses in the U.K. and I hope the release of this national set of standards helps to spur action from employers of all sizes up and down the country.”

Download the national standards on the BSI website.

Read more about support with menopause in the workplace.

Download a free menopause policy template for your organisation.