7 September 2026 – Employers can now access practical global guidance on supporting employees through menstruation and menopause, published by BSI, the UK's national standards body, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) - as part of efforts to improve productivity and stem the departure of experienced women from the workforce early and not out of choice.
Analysis by the CEBR for BSI has found that if employees are confident raising challenges related to menstrual/menopausal health, this brings a potential productivity premium worth almost £300 million a year. Occupational health and safety management – Menstruation and menopause in the workplace (BS ISO 45010) provides support for leaders, managers, human resources professionals and occupational health and safety practitioners on identifying and addressing workplace factors that may affect employees experiencing menstruation or menopause.
Developed over nearly three years by a working group of international experts, building on the original British Standard published in 2023, BS ISO 45010 provides practical guidance and recommendations that cover many aspects of the workplace, including workplace culture, policies and procedures, manager awareness and training, workplace design, how to measure and evaluate impact, and practical adjustments that may help employees manage symptoms while remaining healthy and productive at work. It also provides additional guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition to the scope covered in original British Standard, BS ISO 45010 now includes:
• A new clause on disclosure and privacy – guidance on what information should be shared, with whom and how
• More definitions and explanatory notes – reviewed and expanded terminology to ensure it translates clearly for organizations across different regions and cultures
• A wider range of practical actions – all practical action clauses (including physical aspects of work, policy, workplace culture, job design, inclusivity and considerations for SMEs) include updated recommendations, reflecting input from the global working group
• Two new annexes – a template workplace charter for supporting menstrual and menopausal health at work, and a cross-reference matrix showing how BS ISO 45010 aligns with ISO 45001, for organizations that already have an OH&S management system in place
Sitting within the ISO 45000 occupational health and safety standards, BS ISO 45010 lets organizations build menstruation and menopause support into how they already manage workplace health and safety. For example, organizations already working to ISO 45001, the standard’s practical actions and new cross-reference annex make it straightforward to fold this support into existing occupational health strategies, helping employers strengthen employee wellbeing and retain skilled, experienced staff.
Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors, BSI, said: “As demonstrated in our research, there is still work to be done in the workplace regarding women's health, with 57% of UK women saying they have never heard their employer talk about the issue. Launched over three years ago, the original British standard has been a valuable blueprint for employers addressing menstruation and menopause at work, providing vital guidance to help women throughout their careers.
"BS ISO 45010 takes the standard further, with new guidance on disclosure and privacy and a broader set of practical actions shaped by the international working group. As a free standard, it makes that guidance accessible to employers and employees everywhere, helping organizations worldwide build healthier, more supportive workplaces and accelerate progress towards a fair society and a sustainable world."
BS ISO 45010 further builds on the original British Standard – Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace. Published in May 2023, the British Standard was the highest downloaded standard in 2023 and has since been downloaded over 13,000 times across 147 countries and territories, and adopted by organizations including Virgin Media O2, M&S, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland and the Welsh Parliament.
Research by BSI shows that although progress has been made since the original British Standard was published three years ago, with more employers taking action to support employees, there is still work to do. According to BSI's The value of creating a culture of trust report, just 38% of UK employees who have experienced menopause, perimenopause or menstrual health-related challenges feel confident their employer would support them in finding a solution. Only one in ten (10%) would feel confident discussing the issue with a male line manager, and fewer than one in five (19%) with HR and nearly half (49%) said their employer offered no support at all.
Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General at ISO, said leaders are increasingly recognising that supporting employee wellbeing means recognising and responding to the diverse needs of today's workforce.
"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," Mr Mujica said.
“Recognizing that menstruation and menopause affect millions of people throughout their working lives, ISO 45010 will be made available at no cost, to maximize global access and adoption.
"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."
Prof. Kathleen Riach, University of Glasgow, Convenor of ISO/TC 283/WG 10, said: "ISO 45010 represents the collective efforts of experts, organisations, and advocates from across the world. It provides employers with an evidence-based framework for action, supported by practical recommendations that are straightforward to implement and designed to deliver meaningful change.
Addressing menstruation and menopause at work is essential to creating healthier, safer, and more inclusive organisations. As a freely accessible international standard, ISO 45010 establishes a global benchmark for good practice. It not only supports employers to respond effectively to menstruation and menopause but also acts as a catalyst for reducing stigma and advancing gender equality throughout the economy and society."
The new guidance comes ahead of UK employers being required by the UK Government to publish Menopause Action Plans from spring 2027.
To register interest in BS ISO 45010, click here.
