Periods & Menopause Policy
Periods and the menopause affect around half of the population. But many people feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about their symptoms at work.
Both periods and the menopause bring varying symptoms that require support. We spend a lot of time at work and hormones don’t exactly work to meeting schedules, so raising awareness about these topics at work is super important.
Period Symptoms
Period symptoms can make working to full capacity super challenging. Common symptoms include:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Lower abdominal cramps/ period pain
- Headaches/migraines
- Nausea/sickness
- Irregular periods
- Heavy bleeding
Other conditions affecting periods:
- Endometriosis - causes extreme period pain.
- PCOS - causes irregular periods.
- PMDD - causes severe irritability, anxiety or depression before your period starts.
- Ovarian Cysts - pelvic pain and heavier/lighter/irregular periods.
- Fibroids - causes heavier periods than usual.
Menopause Symptoms
Menopause symptoms can be physical and/or psychological. Here are some common symptoms:
- Hot flushes and/or night sweats
- Headaches
- Anxiety/depression
- Loss of confidence
- Irregular periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Joint stiffness
- Urinary problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
Supporting you at work
Symptoms of both periods and menopause can make it difficult to work to the best of your ability.
Here’s how we support you at work:
- Flexible working - We want everyone to take full advantage of our flexible working policy. If that means stepping away from your desk and going for a walk to ease any abdominal pain, or working from the comfort of your home, you can do so - no questions asked.
- Mental health support - To help you look after your mental health on days when you’re not feeling your best, we’re offering [X provider or service] to give you access to mental health support.
- Sick leave - We don’t expect you to work when you’re unwell. Be it period pain, headaches, or poor mental health - our inclusive sick leave policy means that you can take paid time off to do what it takes to feel better.
- Conversation - The only way to break the stigma is to open up the conversation about it. We want to encourage open dialogue and will support this in our culture.
- Health care - [if you offer private medical insurance] If your periods are causing you extreme physical pain, sometimes seeking medical care is the best option. If you need to speak to a specialist and are based in [countries covered], you’re covered through our [healthcare Programme].
Do what’s right for you
The only way to break the stigma around these topics is to open up the conversation about it. We want to encourage open dialogue.
So, if there’s anything else we can do to help support you during this time, chat to us & we’ll work together to support you!