How to talk about menstruation at work: a guide

How many of us haven't received negative comments related to menstruation at least once in our lives? It's no surprise that having a conversation about the cycle at work, with your colleagues or a manager becomes a sometimes difficult or even impossible task. But why does this happen? We're exploring the (still) touchy subject at work, and if you want to learn some simple tips on how to talk about your period at work, read on!

42% of women have experienced period shame, and 1 in 5 have suffered because of comments made by a male friend.

From the domain of the past? A recent study shows that nearly half of women in the United States have suffered from negative comments related to their menstrual cycle in 2020.

How menstrual stigma affects you

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding menstruation is still present in society and manifests itself in any workplace, regardless of field. What does this have to do with you? Well, menstrual stigma has an impact that is felt when you are a woman and work during a painful period; for example, your productivity may decrease, comfort may disappear, anxiety states may increase. That's not to mention the cases where you suffer from endometriosis and PMDD (just two of them!) when trying to balance severe symptoms with work tasks.

It's a sign that you still need to sensitize your colleagues, to make them aware that you have the right to dignity during menstruation and to equality at work. But how do you make prejudice disappear and how do you encourage your managers to act? Not through magic, of course... but through honest, open and inclusive discussions.

Here are 3 tricks that make conversations about periods at work more pleasant and normal!

1. Claim the right to free menstrual products

It probably happened to you that that period of the month took you by surprise precisely during the job. But most companies are not aware that there is a real need for their employees to have access to pads and absorbents in the workplace. Why? It's just not a priority. But lack of access can lead to challenges, problems and menstrual poverty, including low productivity.

The good thing is that you can change something in your company: if you are a manager, offer free monthly menstrual products to your employees. If you share a workspace with other colleagues, you can request to equip this space with the products you need. How? Start by asking your colleagues if they need these products too (women will say yes, for sure). Then, get in touch with HR or your manager through an email in which you present your request. And don't forget, data and statistics help!

PS: Among the requests that ENROUSH has had to distribute organic menstrual products are schools and institutions both in Romania and outside the country. And if you want it to be in the bathrooms at your job, write to us!

If the manager does not accept, propose a month trial with free menstrual products after which each person comes with feedback and discussions: this will open a normal conversation, to better understand why we need to let go of the stigma and have part of menstrual care.

2. Ask for support if you have a medical condition

Your menstrual health should be a priority for you. Because regardless of the field or job, your health can affect your ability to work. And when we say medical conditions, we also mean those related to menstruation, because they are scientifically proven, although often invisible. They have a huge impact on a person's quality of life. Even if these conditions are not yet understood and they accentuate the stress of the workplace.

Then, all the more, it's time to broach the less positive cycle-related topic: chronic pain.

In addition to the usual statistics about endometriosis (for example 1 in 10 women live with this condition worldwide) about the duration/intensity of cramps or about the discomfort that affects an entire working day, the discussions can focus around concrete facts. Because you probably had colleagues who had bleeding between periods, suffered in silence or left work because of cramps.

The concept of "menstrual leave" exists in very few places in the world, including South Korea and Indonesia, but Europe is taking small steps closer to realizing a real need for women. For example, 2022 is a success for the Spanish government by approving a bill to grant paid sick leave to women suffering from severe abdominal pain. It is the first European country to propose such legislation.

If you don't feel supported by your manager or HR when you're suffering from a menstrual condition and pain or heavy bleeding, it can make you feel alone and uncomfortable talking about it. One trick would be to talk to a colleague who can listen to you and give you support on the job.

3. How to feel more comfortable when it comes to work

If you've ever had terrible insomnia before work because of your period, you're not alone! A recent study shows that more than 50% of Romanians sleep less than 7-8 hours a night and over 75% suffer from exhaustion! When left untreated, insomnia can affect the cardiovascular system and the ability to concentrate. But how do you know you suffer from menstrual insomnia? I wrote an article about it, see here !

It can be impossible to feel comfortable if your period comes at work. Not just PMS and its headaches, but cramping and heavy bleeding in the early hours can disrupt your schedule, meetings, organization, and a regular work day. So, it's the perfect time to make yourself more comfortable and give yourself the care and love you need, even if you're at work!

Here's the simplest trick: prepare a hot water bottle or heat pack and don't hide when you do it. Because it's also the perfect opportunity to remove the stigma and shame associated with employment. It's just an ordinary day in your life, nothing special! Of course, taking into account the place of work (if it's an office it's easier but it's harder when you're on the move). Additionally, you can initiate discussions about menstrual health and wellness by inviting colleagues and managers to share experiences and resources that address menstruation and its management. PS: the ENROUSH blog debates several categories and topics but which have the menstrual cycle in common – they are only good articles to start conversations!

And don't forget: even the smallest changes mean something!