How to Make Your Workplace
Menstrual-Friendly?
No
one can work to their full potential if their basic requirements are not
satisfied at work.
Menstruation
is a physiological process that affects more than half of the population. When creating
and setting up a workstation for their team, management should consider a few
basic factors. As a starting point, we've compiled our best suggestions, but
it's always a good idea to solicit feedback from your coworkers.
Office
facilities
It
is critical to have regular access to bathrooms when menstruating. This should
be as close to the workspace as possible to minimize disruption and provide
simple access. Monthly cups are becoming increasingly popular as a greener
solution to control menstrual loss. A self-contained toilet with a basin is
suitable for cleaning these gadgets. If new facilities are being built, unisex
cubicles with sinks may be a preferable option over separate male/female units.
Pad and tampon disposal requires specialised disposal bins. The startup Fab
Little Bag offers biodegradable trash bags for pads and tampons. This could
assist smaller businesses in creating a menstrual-friendly workplace. Many
offices, schools, and institutions now offer complimentary pads and tampons in
their restrooms. Menstruation can be unpredictable, causing people to be taken
off guard. Consider giving these or supporting a take-and-donate campaigns.
Office
decorum
Menstrual
blood loss might be so heavy that it seeps through any protection you've put on.
This can be humiliating, but it can be alleviated by using darker chair
textiles with wipe-clean surfaces. Consider the impact on those who menstruate,
as well as other aspects, while selecting fabric for the office.
Uniforms
Darker
materials for trousers and skirts are more forgiving for menstruation women.
Because body temperature fluctuates during the menstrual cycle, it's preferable
to wear something breathable. This is also something to think about if you're
going through menopause. It's also a good idea to have a locker where you can
keep a spare uniform.
Workplace
flexibility
Flexible
working hours, if possible, might be quite beneficial to persons who are having
menstrual problems. Working from home can boost productivity since many
symptoms can be handled in a familiar setting with restrooms, hot water
bottles, and analgesics. Flexibility and, where possible, breaks can help boost
productivity.
Access
to healthcare
If
you have a large firm, it may be worthwhile to consider building an onsite health
clinic. This would help people to keep their regular screening appointments and
improve their gynaecological health and well-being. This is likely to reduce
employee absences and boost company productivity.