A global standard has been published on supporting employees through menstruation and menopause....
Menstruation and menopause standard
A global standard has been published on supporting employees through menstruation and menopause.
Employers can now access practical global guidance on supporting employees through menstruation and menopause, published by BSI and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) - as part of efforts to improve productivity and stem the departure of experienced women from the workforce early and not out of choice.
Occupational health and safety management – Menstruation and menopause in the workplace (BS ISO 45010) provides practical guidance and recommendations that cover many aspects of the workplace, including workplace culture, policies and procedures, manager awareness and training, workplace design, how to measure and evaluate impact, and practical adjustments that may help employees manage symptoms while remaining healthy and productive at work. It also provides additional guidance for SMEs. In addition to the scope covered in original British Standard, BS ISO 45010 now includes:
- a new clause on disclosure and privacy – guidance on what information should be shared, with whom and how
- more definitions and explanatory notes – reviewed and expanded terminology to ensure it translates clearly for organisations across different regions and cultures
- a wider range of practical actions – all practical action clauses (including physical aspects of work, policy, workplace culture, job design, inclusivity and considerations for SMEs) include updated recommendations, reflecting input from the global working group, and
- two new annexes – a template workplace charter for supporting menstrual and menopausal health at work, and a cross-reference matrix showing how BS ISO 45010 aligns with ISO 45001, for organisations that already have an OH&S management system in place
This new guidance comes ahead of employers being required to publish menopause action plans from 2027.