Just over half of female staff in a large Dublin local authority have had to take time off work because of their periods. But only 12% said they were comfortable enough to tell their line manager the real reason for their work absence.

A recent survey by Fórsa’s Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Branch also found that one-in-five respondents had been diagnosed with a specific menstrual health condition like premenstrual dysphoric disorder, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.

The branch says this reflects broader society, where one in ten people who menstruate are thought to have endometriosis, and up to 25% suffer menstrual issues.

Almost 80% of respondents said remote working had improved their experience of menstruation, with almost one-in-nine saying it was a plus not to have to commute when experiencing period-related cramps or tiredness.

Other benefits included not having to worry about leakages and staining, as well as not worrying about finding somewhere to change pads, tampons or wash a menstrual cup.

Being able to get more comfortable at home, with better access to measures to alleviate pain, was also cited as important.

When it came to people’s experience of menopause, over 80% of respondents said access to flexible arrangements 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.

Almost all respondents – 98% - said they’d like to see a workplace period-friendly policy introduced, with measures including better toilet facilities, wipe-down darker fabrics and flexible working.

Branch secretary Roisin Cronin said the branch decided to conduct the survey after the issue arose in conversations with colleagues and union members.

“The response was quite overwhelming, with the comments providing a very rich insight into the difficulties, and isolation, that people experience as a result of menstruation and menopause. I’d expect similar results if the same survey was conducted in any large or medium-sized workplace.

“As a result, a motion was brought to our annual general meeting, calling for the introduction of period-friendly measures. It was passed unanimously, and we will be bringing a motion to Fórsa’s biennial conference in May to raise these issues nationally,” she said.

The biennial conference sets the union’s policy and priorities for the next two years.