Periods don’t wait just because we’ve all got work to do.
There are ways for employers to support staff who menstruate, helping reduce stigma while also boosting productivity.
Becoming a period-positive workplace means supporting women on a practical level. But it also shows managers understand the needs of employees and are willing to cater to them.
In terms of culture and staff retention, that can go a long way.
Why be period-positive?
A study from QUT found 87% of people who menstruate feel their period has interfered with their work or study. Almost 95% experienced abdominal pain, while 82% experienced headaches.
If they had to stay at home or leave early, only 6.7% said they would be honest as to why.
Elsewhere, research suggests 80% of women have started their period unexpectedly, without having products to hand. Of those, 96% leave what they’re doing immediately, to get what they need.
Providing clean facilities and period products can reduce unnecessary absenteeism due to menstruation.
Further, the process can generate discussion, reducing stigma around periods in the workplace.
Inclusion measures in general have been shown to stimulate innovation, improve employee satisfaction, and improve financial outcomes.
What does it mean to be a period-positive workplace?
The Period Positive Workplace Initiative was created in 2023 through a collaboration between Days for Girls, The Policy Project, Share the Dignity, PSI Europe, The Pad Project and the Toilet Board Coalition.
Pixii is both a certified workplace and a supplier member.
Certified workplaces receive a digital certification badge, plus access to a gender equality and menstrual health webinar for their organisation, and other digital assets.
To be certified Period Positive, a business must:
- Provide free period products in bathrooms.
- Meet certain standards for bathroom facilities — a pit latrine or toilet in a well-lit, well-ventilated and safe area, with a lock and toilet paper, plus hand-washing facilities with clean water, soap or sanitiser, and a waste bin.
- Inform employees that period products are provided, and will continue to be, through a formal notice — that could be sending a company-wide email or making an announcement in a staff meeting, for example.
Elsewhere, Diversity for Social Impact also offers various certificates, including for women-friendly employers.
There are also certificates available for women-owned businessesin Australia, while B Corp certification takes gender equity into account, among a broad range of social and environmental impact policies.
Why certify?
Certification provides a way for a business to show what it stands for; to wear its values on its sleeve.
This can help attract the best employees, as well as values-aligned customers, partners and collaborators.
All of this is to say, catering to those who menstruate at work is not only the right thing to do for employees, it’s good for the bottom line, too.
