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Menstrual Health & Period Pain
in the Workplace
Why It Matters
Menstruation affects half the workforce for decades of their lives – yet many employees still feel uncomfortable speaking openly about period pain, fatigue, or related symptoms.
Research shows that over 70% of women struggle to perform at their best during their period, and 1 in 3 have experienced period shaming at work (The Guardian, 2023). When these issues are ignored, the result is reduced productivity, higher absenteeism, and preventable loss of talent.
Normalising these conversations promotes gender equity and supports long-term wellbeing. When employees feel understood and supported, they are more engaged, motivated, and loyal to their organisation.
The Business Case
Menstrual health is not a private matter – it’s a workplace wellbeing and productivity issue. Employers who take action benefit from:
Reduced absenteeism
Fewer sick days due to manageable symptoms.
Higher engagement
Staff feel valued and supported.
Improved retention
Inclusive cultures reduce turnover.
Enhanced reputation
Attract and retain top female and non-binary talent.
Simple, low-cost measures – such as flexible work options, awareness training, and open dialogue – make a measurable difference to performance and morale.
The Evidence
Menstrual health is not a private matter – it’s a workplace wellbeing and productivity issue. Employers who take action benefit from:
69% of UK women report negative work experiences due to menstrual symptoms, and 1 in 5 have taken sick leave as a result (The Guardian, 2023).
Menstrual pain and fatigue are leading causes of presenteeism, with affected employees working while unwell rather than taking time off (Taylor & Francis, 2023).
In a large European study, women reported an average of 8.9 days of absenteeism and 23.2 days of reduced productivity per year due to period pain – equivalent to £1,650–£2,000 in lost productivity per employee based on UK median pay.
45.2% of working women reported absenteeism linked to their cycle, averaging 5.8 days per year for those most affected (PubMed Central, 2022).
Supporting menstrual health is therefore both a wellbeing and financial priority.
Life-Stage and Health Considerations
For many, the menstrual cycle is more than a monthly bleed. Over roughly 28 days, fluctuating hormones can cause symptoms that range from inconvenient to debilitating.
Common menstrual health conditions include:
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)
affects 2–8% of women, causing severe physical and emotional symptoms.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
affects 1 in 10 women and impacts energy, mood, and long-term health.
Fibroids
affect 1 in 3 women and often cause pain, fatigue, and heavy bleeding.
Endometriosis
affects 1 in 10 women, leading to chronic pain and productivity loss.
Adenomyosis
affects 1 in 10 women, with symptoms including bloating, back pain, and heavy periods.
Employers aren’t expected to diagnose or treat these conditions. The role of the organisation is to create an environment where employees feel safe to communicate their needs and access appropriate support.
Your Role as an Employer
Supporting menstrual and hormonal health is cost-effective and measurable. Often, small reasonable adjustments to working practices are enough to make a difference – from offering flexible scheduling and private rest spaces to promoting awareness and empathy in management training.
A truly inclusive workplace recognises that hormonal health directly impacts performance, focus, and resilience – and responds accordingly.
Our Training Solutions
Menstrual Health Awareness Training
Help all staff understand the impact of the menstrual cycle and build empathy across teams.
Manager and HR Guidance Sessions
Equip leaders to support employees with confidence and compassion.
Cycle-Aware Leadership Masterclasses
Empower managers to integrate cycle-awareness into performance and wellbeing culture.
Digital Learning Resources and Toolkits (coming soon)
Accessible materials to help embed cycle-aware practices across the organisation.
Next Step
Take the first step towards a more cycle-aware, inclusive, and resilient workplace
Download the Women’s Health Workplace Audit
A practical HR checklist covering menstrual health, PMS/PMDD, perimenopause, and menopause – from menstruation to post-menopause.
Book a free 20-minute Cycle-Aware Workplace Call
Explore how cycle-aware wellbeing could support performance, retention, and inclusion in your organisation.