Why Every Workplace Needs a Period-Friendly Policy Today
- Good Period Team
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Menstrual health is not just a personal issue. It’s a workplace issue.
Across Hong Kong and around the world, more companies are waking up to the role menstrual health plays in employee wellbeing, productivity, and inclusion.
Companies like Cathay Cargo Terminal and HSBC have already implemented these practices through our Good Period Alliance, resulting in stronger employee engagement and CSR recognition.
Read their stories: https://www.good-period.org/blog/categories/workplace-stories
But many still treat it as a taboo topic or an individual concern. The reality is this: menstruation affects half the workforce. Yet, very few workplaces have policies or infrastructure in place to support it.
In this post, we explore why period-friendly workplaces are no longer optional. They are a smart, necessary move for forward-thinking organizations.
What is a period-friendly workplace?
A period-friendly workplace provides practical, inclusive support for people who menstruate. This includes:
Access to high-quality and sustainable period care in washrooms
Education and awareness programs for all employees around the menstrual cycle, from menstruation to menopause
Clear policies that allow for rest or flexible work when needed
An open culture where menstrual health is not stigmatized
We define period-friendly workplaces as those that integrate menstrual health into their broader employee wellbeing and inclusion strategies.
Why it matters more than ever
1. It impacts performance
Our research across 300 women in the corporate place in Hong Kong and Singapore shows that:
61% of women miss work each year due to menstrual symptoms, often experiencing pain or discomfort in silence;
89% have faced unplanned absences because emergency period products weren’t available.
This leads to:
Absenteeism
Lower productivity
Reduced employee moral
Small changes, like ensuring products are available in washrooms and management training can lead to major gains in morale and performance.
2. It drives inclusion and retention
A period-friendly workplace is also a more inclusive workplace. When employees feel seen and supported, they are more likely to stay and thrive. This is especially important for companies working on their inclusion commitments or aiming to attract more female leadership. By embedding period care into your culture, you show your team that wellbeing is more than a box-ticking exercise.
3. It aligns with ESG goals
Menstrual health intersects with environmental, social, and governance priorities. For example:
Using sustainable, plastic-free period products helps reduce corporate waste
Partnering with social enterprises like Good Period Alliance supports local communities
Transparent, inclusive health policies show strong governance and care
Companies that support menstrual health often see improved brand reputation and stronger community impact metrics.
How to get started
Creating a period-friendly workplace does not need to be complicated or expensive. Start with these steps:
Audit your current washroom setup. Are free products available? Are they eco-conscious?
Engage your team. Host a learning session or workshop about menstrual health.
Update internal policies. A great place to start is updating your flexible leave and sickness policies to highlight they extend to cover menstrual-related conditions, ensuring employees don't feel shame, or a need to hide these challenges.
Join the Good Period Alliance. We help workplaces build period-friendly standards, provide reusable products, and fund menstrual health programs across Hong Kong.
The future of work is inclusive — and that includes periods
Menstrual health is a practical workplace need that affects productivity, culture, and impact. By becoming a period-friendly workplace, your organization takes a meaningful step toward a healthier, more inclusive future.
