Menstrual discrimination: period pain, productivity and performativity

Purpose: Menstrual health in the workplace is a neglected topic but can have significant effects on wellbeing, absenteeism, productivity and inclusion within an organisation, and addressing these concerns is vital for fostering an inclusive workplace, especially as organisations aim to enhance equality, diversity and inclusivity. This paper explores the impact of menstrual health, particularly severe symptoms, on women's wellbeing and job performance, and the extent of organisational support.

Design/methodology/approach: The research involved a systematic literature review (SLR) analysing extant research from multidisciplinary fields following the PICO framework, guided by the PRISMA method, and the JBI Critical Appraisal for cross-sectional studies and qualitative research.

Findings: Only 16 peer-reviewed research papers exist on menstrual health in the workplace, demonstrating a lack of research. Severe menstrual symptoms substantially affect women's physical and mental wellbeing, with a lack of organisational support exacerbating women’s health. Cultural stigma surrounding menstruation prevents open discussions about menstrual health at work, hindering effective support and leading to menstrual discrimination.

Practical implications: Menstrual health should be integrated into workplace wellness programs, with organisations implementing inclusive policies to support women to avoid menstrual discrimination.

Originality/value: The paper is the first to systematically review the impact of severe menstrual health symptoms on women in the workplace and addresses a gap in scholarship and organisational support for women. The SLR reveals that much of the research is within medical fields, with less engagement of menstrual health within management and organisational studies.