Menstruation is a natural process that nearly half the population experiences every month. Regular hormonal changes impact many aspects of a woman's life, including her studies and work. Yet, for many women, the topic of menstruation in the workplace remains taboo.Menstrual symptoms, which many women around the world deal with every month, can affect energy levels, productivity, work performance, and the ability to concentrate.
Although menstruation impacts a woman's daily life to such an extent, for many of them it is unimaginable to even open up about the topic of menstruation at school or in the workplace and honestly share their feelings and needs. We therefore decided to conduct our own small research and come up with practical steps that employers can take to support their female employees.
The workplace situation: Why address it?
Every woman has different needs and symptoms throughout her menstrual cycle. However, our research shows that up to 80% of women experience menstrual symptoms to some extent, with almost half of them experiencing these symptoms every month. The most common symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, abdominal cramps, breast pain, and impaired concentration, all of which significantly impact daily functioning, including work life. Up to 40% of women even reported that they had to leave work due to pain or nausea associated with menstruation.
However, many women cannot openly discuss these issues with their colleagues or managers, nor do they feel understanding or support from their supervisor when they need to adjust working conditions during menstruation.
How can employers help?
No one can perform at their best if their basic needs are not met in the workplace. An employer's proactive approach to employee well-being and satisfaction can significantly contribute to a better work environment.
The employer plays a key role in ensuring that employees' basic needs are met and that everyone can work in a supportive environment where they feel heard. There are several steps companies can take:
- Education and awareness: Training focused on women's health and the menstrual cycle can raise awareness about the impact of hormonal changes on work performance.
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Regular breaks: Allow for better management of the physical and mental demands that menstruation brings.
- Flexibility: The ability to adjust working hours or daily routines according to how female employees feel can significantly increase their comfort.
- Available menstrual products: Freely available tampons or pads in restrooms are a minimal but very effective display of support and understanding.
"Employers should at least ensure that freely available menstrual products are provided in restrooms. It's the least they can do for their female employees, expressing a certain form of understanding and support."
Menstruation is an integral part of many women's lives, and therefore it is important to consider it in the workplace. By incorporating menstruation into their corporate culture, employers can significantly improve the well-being of their female employees, increase their comfort, loyalty, and promote better work results.
The results of the Femvie study, including specific proposals for improving working conditions during menstruation, can be downloaded as a PDF document Menstruation and menstrual hygiene at work HERE.
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Organic Pads — certified organic pads without chemicals
- 🌿 Organic Tampons — organic tampons made from certified organic cotton
- 🌿 Ultra-thin Organic Panty Liners — discreet protection for every day
- 📦 Carefree Subscription — your organic menstrual essentials automatically every month
- 🎁 Trial Pack — try Femvie organic menstrual essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
What are organic menstrual products?
Organic menstrual products are made from certified organic cotton without pesticides, plastics, or bleaching chemicals. GOTS certification guarantees eco-friendly processing from the field to the product.
Are organic tampons safer than conventional ones?
Yes. Conventional tampons can contain trace amounts of pesticides and synthetic fibers. Femvie organic tampons are certified, hypoallergenic, and gentler on intimate areas.
How does the Femvie subscription work?
With the Carefree Subscription, you set the delivery frequency, and your favorite organic products arrive automatically. You save time and never run out of menstrual essentials.
