World-first International Standard launched as demand grows for better workplace support during menstruation and menopause
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has today launched ISO 45010 – Occupational health and safety management — Menstruation and menopause in the workplace — Guidance, the world’s first International Standard providing guidance to help organizations support employees experiencing menstruation and menopause at work.
Millions of people experience menstruation and menopause related health challenges during their working lives, yet workplace policies often fail to reflect their impact on employees. ISO 45010 provides practical recommendations to help employers better support health, wellbeing and inclusion in their organizations.
The publication comes as international research by the British Standards Institution (BSI) highlights growing expectations for employers to provide better workplace support. Surveying 6,494 women across seven countries, the research found that 68% believe employers have a role in supporting employees experiencing menopause and menstruation-related health issues, while seven in ten want their employer to have a clear process and approach.
Despite increasing awareness of formal workplace policies, six in ten respondents said they have never heard their employer proactively talk about menopause support.
Designed for organizations of all sizes and sectors, the new standard offers guidance for leaders, managers, human resources professionals and occupational health and safety practitioners on identifying and addressing workplace factors that may affect employees experiencing menstruation or menopause.
Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General at ISO, said leaders are increasingly recognizing that supporting employee wellbeing means responding to the diverse needs of today’s workforce.
“ISO 45010 provides internationally agreed recommendations to help organizations better understand the factors that can affect employees experiencing menstruation and menopause, and identify practical actions to support them,” Mr Mujica said.
“Recognizing that menstruation and menopause affect millions of people throughout their working lives, ISO 45010 will be made available at no cost, to maximize global access and adoption.
“By removing financial barriers, organizations of all sizes, regardless of location or resources, can access and implement the standard, helping employers create supportive working environments.”
Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors, BSI, said their research highlighted why internationally agreed guidance for employers is so important.
“Our research shows that conversations around menstruation and menopause are becoming more common in workplaces, but despite three years of progress after the foundational British standard on menopause and menstruation was published in 2023 there is still a significant gap between awareness and action,” Hayes said.
Bringing this standard to life has required experts from around the world to build consensus on an issue that has too often been overlooked in workplace health and safety.
Sarah Sim, Director, Standardization at the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS), said it was a privilege to take part in developing the world’s first International Standard on menstruation and menopause.
“Developing ISO 45010 brought together experts from different countries, sectors and disciplines to build international consensus around guidance that can be applied in workplaces worldwide,” Ms Sim said.
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