Standard covers workplace design, recruitment, policy development and management practices
HR professionals and employers can now follow a global benchmark for supporting employees through menstruation and menopause to make their organizations truly world-class.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) launched ISO 45010, Occupational health and safety management — Menstruation and menopause in the workplace — Guidance, on Monday, describing it as the world's first International Standard on the subject.
The standard is aimed at leaders, managers, human resources professionals and occupational health and safety practitioners, and covers workplace design, recruitment, policy development and management practices.
"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," ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica said.
Women want employer support
The standard follows international research by the British Standards Institution (BSI), cited by ISO, surveying 6,494 women across seven countries. It found 68 per cent believe employers have a role in supporting menopause and menstruation-related health issues, and seven in ten want a clear employer process in place.
The same research found six in 10 respondents had never heard their employer proactively discuss menopause support.
BSI's Anne Hayes, director of sectors, said a gap remains despite progress.
"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."
As of Sept. 1, 2026, Manitoba employers must comply with new regulations requiring them to provide free menstrual products in the workplace.
Access and application
ISO said the standard is available at no cost to maximize global access, though printed and downloadable editions can also be purchased at CHF204.
"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," said Mujica.
ISO said the guidance can be scaled for smaller organizations and does not provide medical guidance, addressing workplace policy and practice only.
The ISO said benefits of the standard include:
- Supporting the development of practical menstruation and menopause policies
- Helping organizations identify appropriate and cost-effective workplace adjustments
- Promoting worker well-being, engagement and job satisfaction
- Helping reduce stigma and create a more inclusive workplace culture
- Supporting workforce attraction and retention by addressing avoidable workplace barriers
- Complementing occupational health and safety and gender inclusion practices
