A surprise sick day, a distracted employee or a talented worker considering leaving the workforce altogether — these are real risks when workplaces fail to address the impact of menstruation and menopause.

Research shows that menstruation-related symptoms contribute to nearly 6 days of absenteeism per year for the nearly 45% of workers who report suffering absenteeism as part of their menstrual cycle, while menopause costs U.S. employers an estimated $1.8 billion annually in lost productivity.

These aren’t isolated HR concerns — they’re workplace safety and health issues. That’s why the release of the draft international standard ISO 45010 is a milestone for safety professionals. For the first time, menstruation and menopause are being framed not only as employee wellness topics but also as critical factors in occupational safety and health.

By integrating these issues into safety management systems, ISO 45010 provides a practical roadmap to reduce stigma, retain talent and create safer, healthier workplaces where every employee can thrive.

The ISO 45010 draft outlines clear, actionable guidance for organizations looking to support employees through menstruation and menopause as part of their OHS approach. While not yet mandatory, it represents a significant shift in how these life stages are treated in the workplace.

Key recommendations include:

● Training and education for managers and staff to build empathy and awareness.

“The standard proposes practical adjustments for workplace wellbeing to benefit not only employees who menstruate, but also the bottom line for organizations,” says Jess Strait, global advocacy manager at Days for Girls International and a U.S. technical advisory group (TAG) expert for the ISO/TC 283 technical committee. “I'm hopeful that the placement of this standard under occupational health and safety is going to shift the perception of this topic from a women's issue to a whole workplace issue.”

For safety professionals, ISO 45010 isn’t just guidance — it’s a call to action. The annual costs of menopause, combined with the chronic absenteeism related to menstrual symptoms, paint a bleak picture of the total costs of not addressing these issues to businesses. The problem is also personal: A full 13% of women have experienced an adverse work outcome related to menopause symptoms and nearly 50% say they receive no support at work for menstrual complications.

These aren’t just workforce challenges, they’re safety risks, says April Haberman, CEO and co-founder of MiDOViA, an organization that provides workplace accreditation and training for menopause support. Fatigue, distraction and stress linked to unmanaged symptoms can affect situational awareness, decision-making and overall workplace safety.

“Recognizing menopause as a workplace issue means creating an environment where employees can openly discuss their needs and receive the support they deserve,” Haberman says. “ISO 45010 provides employers with clear guidelines and practical steps they can implement immediately, shifting efforts from awareness to real, measurable action.”

From Policy to Practice: Implementing ISO 45010 in Your Workplace

Menstrual and menopausal health isn’t just a wellbeing issue — it’s a safety issue. The proposed ISO 45010 standard makes this clear, offering practical guidance for creating more supportive workplaces. Organizations that provide menstrual health resources have reported a 2:1 return on investment through reduced absenteeism and improved retention.

Even small steps can make a big difference. Safety professionals can lead the way by:

● Tracking outcomes: Monitor metrics like absenteeism, employee feedback and retention to evaluate success and make the case for additional investment.

Each of these actions sends a clear message: safety includes the full range of issues that affect employees’ ability to do their jobs safely, comfortably and confidently — at every stage of life.

For too long, menstruation and menopause have been treated as private matters. ISO 45010 reframes them as critical elements of occupational safety, and therefore issues that demand the attention of safety leaders who want to build healthier, higher-performing workplaces.