A Guide to Menstrual Health in the Workplace

Your period doesn't care that you have a 9 a.m. meeting.

It doesn't care that you're presenting to the leadership team, travelling for work, wearing white pants or have a full day of back-to-back calls. Periods happen at work and for millions of people, they're simply part of everyday life.

So why are we still treating them like something that needs to be hidden?

Research from DPG shows that 74% of women feel it’s necessary to hide sanitary products at work, and 60% stated they’d be uncomfortable discussing the topic of menstruation at all with colleagues or managers. For something that is a natural bodily function for almost half of your workforce, this shouldn’t be the case. 

The good news? Employers can do something about it.

Creating a more period-inclusive workplace doesn't require a huge policy overhaul. Sometimes, it's as simple as making products available, creating a culture where people can talk openly about their needs and giving employees the flexibility to take care of themselves when they aren't feeling their best.

Here are three ways to get started.

1. Make periods a normal conversation

The first step is taking away some of the awkwardness.

Menstruation doesn't need to be a taboo topic at work. Managers and leaders can help normalize conversations around periods by creating an environment where employees feel comfortable asking for what they need whether that's a break, flexibility, working from home or simply acknowledging that they're not feeling their best.

This doesn't mean anyone should have to disclose personal details about their cycle.

It means creating a workplace where saying, "I'm not feeling well today" doesn't feel embarrassing, and where employees don't feel like they need to pretend everything is fine when they're dealing with cramps, fatigue or other period symptoms.

A little openness from leadership can go a long way. This can also include hosting educational workshops for an employee resource group or at a town hall, proving your commitment to women's health in the workplace.

2. Provide free period products in the workplace

This one is easy.

Just like workplaces provide toilet paper, soap and other basic bathroom supplies, menstrual products can be treated as another essential workplace amenity.

No one should have to leave work to buy a tampon. No one should have to ask a coworker if they have a spare. And no one should have to improvise with toilet paper because they weren't expecting their period that day.

Providing free pads and tampons in workplace bathrooms is a simple way to make someone's day a lot easier.

What should you provide?

At a minimum, consider offering:

• Pads

• Tampons

• A covered disposal container near toilets

• A clear system for keeping products stocked

You can also offer additional options such as liners or different absorbencies depending on the needs of your workplace.

The most important part isn't having a complicated system. It's making sure products are easy to find, easy to access, and consistently available.

3. Consider introducing menstrual health days 

Not every period looks the same.

Some people experience mild symptoms and carry on with their day as usual. Others experience significant cramps, fatigue, headaches or other symptoms that can make it genuinely difficult to work.

That's why flexibility matters.

Rather than creating a one-size-fits-all approach, employers can consider policies that give people more options when they aren't feeling well. Depending on the workplace, that could include flexible start times, working from home, additional breaks or existing sick-day policies that allow employees to take time off when they need it.

Some organizations have also explored dedicated menstrual health day policies. Others choose to build menstrual health into broader health and wellness or flexible-work policies.

There isn't one right approach for every workplace.

The goal is to create a culture where people don't feel like they have to push through significant symptoms or hide what they're experiencing just to be seen as productive.

What does a period-inclusive workplace actually look like?

It doesn't necessarily mean creating a huge new HR policy.

It can look like:

A fully stocked bathroom.
Period products are available without someone having to ask.

A manager who doesn't make it awkward.
Employees can ask for flexibility without feeling embarrassed.

A workplace that understands bodies aren't predictable.
People aren't expected to perform exactly the same way every day.

A culture where periods aren't treated like a secret.
No jokes, shame or embarrassment when someone needs a product or a little flexibility.

Small changes can make a meaningful difference to someone's experience at work.

And it isn't just about periods

Menstrual health is part of a much bigger conversation about health at work.

People experience menstrual cycles, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, menopause and a range of other hormonal changes throughout their working lives.

Creating a workplace where these topics can be discussed openly doesn't mean employers need to become healthcare providers.

It means recognizing that employees are people first and giving them the support and flexibility to do their jobs without having to hide normal parts of their lives.

Where to start

If you're an employer or workplace leader, start with three simple questions:

1. Do our employees have easy access to period products?

2. Would someone feel comfortable asking for flexibility if they're experiencing significant period symptoms?

3. Have we created a culture where menstrual health can be discussed without embarrassment?

If the answer to any of these is no, there's an opportunity to make your workplace more inclusive.

The bottom line

People don't stop menstruating when they walk into work.

So period care shouldn't stop at the office door either.

At Marlow, we believe period products should be treated like any other workplace essential: thoughtfully chosen, easy to access and there when you need them.

We provide workplace period-care programs with products, replenishment support and educational workshops designed to help employers create a more comfortable and inclusive workplace.

Because supporting menstrual health at work doesn't have to be complicated.

Ready to make your workplace more period-inclusive?

Tell us a little about your workplace, including your approximate number of employees, number of washrooms and locations, and we'll help you figure out a practical setup.

Marlow organic period care, made better.

For more information, email hello@wearemarlow.com.