More than half of British women say they would quit their job tomorrow to work for a company that would allow them to work from home during their period.
A new study found that 84 percent of women said they continued to work despite feeling unwell during their period, with 70 percent working in a workplace that offered no support for menstrual or hormonal health.
Of the 2,100 women surveyed, 86 percent said they had less energy and concentration because of their menstrual cycle.
More than half said their mental wellbeing and stress levels were affected during menstruation, while just under half said their productivity also decreased.
Although menstrual cycle symptoms can vary greatly, many women experience physical symptoms during their period such as abdominal cramps, back pain, nausea, fatigue, bloating, and headaches.
More than half said their mental wellbeing and stress levels were affected during their period
They may also experience mental side effects during their menstrual cycle, including mood swings, anger, and anxiety.
These complaints are often caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual tension (PMT) and occur before menstruation starts.
For women with menstrual problems like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), these symptoms can be so debilitating that they can sometimes miss work or school.
A new survey conducted by health food platform Lifesum has found that 52 percent of women would leave their workplace for a job with better menstrual support.
And 72 percent said they would like to see more flexible working arrangements introduced in the workplace.
“This new data highlights why workplaces must consider the unique health needs of their female employees,” said Wesleigh Roeca, director of workplace wellness at Lifesum.
“To create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, we encourage organizations to implement policies that offer flexible work hours, supplemental health insurance, paid leave for conditions such as menopause and endometriosis, and support for pregnancy and fertility issues.”