43% forced to take time off work due to menstruation/menopause with financial impact for 28%

60% did not feel comfortable discussing menstrual health issues; 95% would welcome workplace menstrual health policies

October 18th: Unite, which represents workers throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, today (World Menopause Day, 18 October) published the results of a survey on menstrual health.  Over 1,100 women members of the union in Northern Ireland and the Republic responded to a range of questions relating to women’s experience of menstruation and the menopause as they relate to the workplace.

Key findings of the survey include:

• 43 per cent of respondents had to take time off work due to issues relating to menstrual health or the menopause
• 28 per cent had suffered financial impact from taking time off due to menopause/menstruation issues
• 65 per cent had not reported the specific reason for their absence to their line manager
• 60 per cent did not feel comfortable discussing menstrual health issues with their line manager or someone they managed or supported at work
• 90 per cent were in favour of menstrual health leave
• 95 per cent would welcome a menstrual health support policy in their workplace

Commenting on the survey results, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said:

“Unite has negotiated menstrual health and menopause policies in a range of workplaces, and we will now be campaigning to ensure that workplaces throughout Ireland are required to have such policies. But workers know that statutory provision is not enough – only collective workplace organisation will ensure that policies are really delivered”.

Susan Fitzgerald is Irish Secretary of Unite and added:

“It is scandalous that women, who are already at an economic disadvantage, should be further burdened by the lack of proper workplace policies on the menopause and menstrual health.  Such policies are critical to ensuring real equality in the workplace.  Employers must make reasonable accommodation, including paid time off where necessary, for workers experiencing menstruation and the menopause.  Robust workplace menstrual health policies would be a win for workers”.

Selected member comments from survey:

“I had an accident at work relating to this in front of 10 men. I had to sit and wait for the break and barely made it to the bathroom. I panicked!!!! Then menopause hit me with sweats, agitation, fear of my employer noticing any change in my behaviour. I did approach my line manager who’s older than me and tried to explain but I started getting upset and [I was told to] pull myself together”.

“I have always felt it a struggle to attend the workplace when I am experiencing menstrual related pain/headaches. I am currently peri-menopausal and would love the option to work from home on those days when I am struggling with symptoms without having to give a lengthy explanation to my line manager”.

“Several colleagues going through menopause and working in a hot kitchen have asked senior management for fans and have been refused”.

“I have never taken a day off due to the symptoms of menstruation but have really wanted to/needed to. I never felt that it would be taken seriously and feel uncomfortable to broach it with my manager (male). Instead, I find places to sit quietly and wait out bouts of severe pain/nausea/dizziness or work through, even while not functioning 100 per cent.”

“Peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms are often quite pronounced in the workplace environment due to stress etc. so accommodations should be made to provide relief to employees who require it. E.g. lightweight and dark uniforms, fans, accessible water”.