A surprise sick day, a distracted employee or a talented worker considering leaving the workforce altogether — these are real risks when workplaces fail to address the impact of menstruation and menopause.
Research shows that menstruation-related symptoms contribute to nearly 6 days of absenteeism per year for the nearly 45% of workers who report suffering absenteeism as part of their menstrual cycle, while menopause costs U.S. employers an estimated $1.8 billion annually in lost productivity.
These aren’t isolated HR concerns — they’re workplace safety and health issues. That’s why the release of the draft international standard ISO 45010 is a milestone for safety professionals. For the first time, menstruation and menopause are being framed not only as employee wellness topics but also as critical factors in occupational safety and health.
By integrating these issues into safety management systems, ISO 45010 provides a practical roadmap to reduce stigma, retain talent and create safer, healthier workplaces where every employee can thrive.
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