What are the most helpful adjustments for negative symptoms of menstruation or menopause?

A survey of 2,000 workers has identified the workplace adjustments that may be most helpful for those experiencing negative symptoms of menstruation and menopause.

Of the individuals surveyed, 35% said that their work was affected by negative symptoms associated with menopause. A further 53% said they experienced workplace difficulties connected to menstruation. The symptoms most commonly experienced by survey respondents were:

• Fluctuating mood.

• Reduced concentration.

• Lack of motivation.

• Fatigue.

• Pain.

The most helpful features for managing these symptoms, which are usually unavailable in the office, are a place to lie down, a hot bath and shower, and a dark or dimly lit space.

However, the most popular workplace adjustments that would attract employees experiencing these symptoms to work more days in the office include:

• Fresh air.

• Comfortable desk seating.

• Natural light.

• A private room.

• Temperature-controlled spaces.

• More focus rooms with fewer distractions.

Sources: Workers lack features needed to manage period pain at work, personneltoday.com, 24 August 2023, Half of workplaces lack features to ease menstruation and menopause symptoms, motionspot.co.uk.