Inspired by a recent survey undertaken by the union's Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Branch, Fórsa is now looking to hear from its members on how their menstrual health impacts on their working lives. Your answers will help inform the union's policies and work in this area.

Participation in the survey is completely anonymous, and your personal details will not be shared with anyone else. Fill out our survey HERE. 

The recent announcement that the civil service is to develop a menstrual health policy is more evidence of an overdue acceptance that women’s reproductive health can have a major impact on their working lives.

Research shows that almost 14% of women have missed work because of their period, with 3.5% reporting period related absenteeism month on month.

Issues around women’s experiences of menopause are also gaining more attention, with people becoming more aware of how this can affect women’s presence in the workplace.

The Dún Laoghaire Rathdown branch’s recent survey received a very engaging response from people who took the time to share their experiences.

Of those who responded, one in five said that they had been diagnosed with a specific condition such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. This is representative of broader society where one in ten people who menstruate are thought to have endometriosis, with up to 25% suffering menstrual issues

One aspect Fórsa was interested in exploring was the impact of remote working when it came to menstruation and menopause. Almost four-fifths of those participating in the survey said that remote working had improved their experience of menstruation, with almost one-in-nine agreeing that not having to travel to work when tired, or experiencing cramps, was a positive.

When it came to people’s experience of menopause, over 80% of respondents felt that access to flexible arrangements including remote working on ad hoc basis as required would help. Better training for managers and staff was also considered important by 81% of those participating in the survey.

The branch had also asked if people thought their workplace should have a workplace period-friendly policy, with measures including better toilet facilities, wipe-down darker fabrics and flexible working. Nearly all of those who expressed an opinion said hey wanted to see a policy introduced, and Fórsa wanted to see whether this opinion was reflected within its wider membership.

Fórsa aims to lift the taboo around this issue in the workplace, and you can help by filling out our survey HERE.

The Financial Services Union (FSU) also conducted a recent survey on the issue of menopause in the workplace. Almost 98% of its respondents said they had no form of menopause related policy in the workplace and would welcome one. It also found only 15% felt comfortable talking about menopause in work.

Half the workforce should not have to feel uncomfortable discussing their menstrual health and tiptoeing around the subject at their place of work.

Help improve the way we view menstrual health at work by telling us about your experience.