Bleeding The Way

Nov ‘24

By People Sorted

It’s 2024 so why are we still acting like periods are all hush-hush?!

They impact half the population in ways that affect their lives, work, productivity, and overall well-being.

So, why is it still so hard to talk about it, when it should be a priority for all of us?

I’m interested in women’s health because I’m a woman. I’d be a darn fool not to be on my own side.

(Maya Angelou)

The price of ignoring menstrual health

Let’s start with the numbers.

Did you know that neglecting women’s health in the workplace is costing the UK economy a jaw-dropping £20.2 billion a year? 😲

A 2023 report by AXA Health and the Centre for Economic and Business Research sheds some serious light on the problem – and the numbers don’t lie!

68% of women have faced health issues at some point in their career
29% of those women feel unsupported by their employer
- and when it comes to women-specific health matters – like periods, menopause, endometriosis, and fertility – that figure jumps to 36%
83% of women have had their finances affected by health issues
- Over half had to take time off work
- Nearly 1 in 4 missed a promotion
- 1 in 5 had to settle for lower pay

Many people are navigating menstrual shame and access to products, which can have a real effect on people’s workplace wellbeing and professional success.

(AXA Health)

The knock-on effect?

Women are facing a battle of being left behind in their careers!

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in 2022, 58.4% of the UK’s economically inactive population was made up of women.

And I’m calling bullsh1t!

Many companies are still failing to adapt policies to support the health of half the workforce.

And it’s not just about numbers – this is about real lives – REAL PEOPLE.

… neglecting the health of women in our workplaces isn’t just a matter of compassion; it’s a serious economic oversight.

(Flick Drummond MP)

Women shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their career.

Women are showing up to work, battling cramps, fatigue, headaches, and all the other symptoms that come with their periods.

But instead of being supported, they’re expected to power through!

Supporting female employees means creating healthier, happier workplaces – and stronger, more productive businesses.

A global shift

That being said, we’re finally seeing a global shift towards recognising menstrual health in the workplace.

Spain, became the first European country to introduce paid menstrual leave in 2023 – a big step in the right direction.

Other countries like Japan, South Korea, and Zambia already have menstrual leave policies in place.

Global Health Report 2023

While the UK isn’t there yet, we’re getting closer, thanks to advocates like Professor Louise Newson and Davina McCall, who are shining a light on the importance of addressing menstrual health.

Bloody Good Period has been pushing for change in the UK, and recently Asda and Sainsbury’s changed “feminine health” aisles to “period produces” and “period care”!

Waaaaay more inclusive!

Waaaaay less Stigma!

Image: thanks to Gabby Jahanshahi-Edlin

Creating an inclusive, period-friendly environment

Let’s be clear, menstrual health is about understanding the needs of everyone who has a uterus – and that includes transgender men, nonbinary people, and intersex individuals who also experience menstruation.

Tania Glyde, founder of Queer Menopause, highlights that the ‘reluctance to see beyond cisgender women’s experiences’ leaves many LGBTQ+ people feeling excluded from these important conversations.

It’s time to have open convo’s people!

It’s time to make sure our workplaces inclusive for everyone dealing with period-related issues.

“People are still reluctant to the idea that it’s not only women that experience periods.”

(Kenny Ethan Jones, transgender model)

Simple steps for a period-friendly workplace

Creating a supportive, period-friendly workplace doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are a few simple but powerful steps businesses can take:

Flexible Working Policies – when period symptoms hit hard, give employees the option to work from home or adjust their hours. They’ll be able to focus better and work more productively when they’re not battling through pain.
Stock Period Products – keep menstrual products in the bathrooms – ALL bathrooms – it’s a small gesture with a huge impact.
Normalise Period Talk – make it safe and ‘normal’ to talk about periods in the workplace. From a chat in a wellness session or a dedicated workshop, to having open conversations with your boss and direct reports – it will all help everyone feel more comfortable and supported.
Educate and Raise Awareness – support employees with information about menstrual health. Run workshops, share resources, and make sure the whole team understands the impact that periods can have on productivity, mental health, and overall well-being.

Get loud and proud about periods

It’s simple.

It’s time to start treating menstrual health as an essential part of workplace well-being.

If you want your employees to show up authentically, you need to support them through all stages of their health. When people feel seen and understood, they’re more engaged, more productive, and more loyal.

It’s not that hard.

A little empathy goes a long way, and if you can’t get on board with something as basic as menstruation, you might want to reconsider that “people-centric” branding.

Because, if you’re going to act like a dick about it, I WILL call you out. 👀