ISO Launches World-first Standard for Menstruation and Menopause Support in Workplaces

GENEVA, Sept. 7, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has launched the world’s first international standard aimed at providing guidance to organizations on how to support employees experiencing menstruation and menopause in the workplace. This groundbreaking ISO 45010 offers practical recommendations to help employers address the diverse health challenges faced by millions of employees during their working lives.

ISO 45010, titled “Occupational health and safety management, Menstruation and menopause in the workplace, Guidance,” aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action in addressing menstrual and menopausal health issues in the workplace. According to a survey by the British Standards Institution (BSI), 68% of women worldwide believe employers have a role in supporting employees experiencing these health challenges, and 70% want a clear process and approach from their employers.

The survey, which surveyed 6,494 women across seven countries, also revealed that despite growing awareness, six in ten respondents have never heard their employer proactively talk about menopause support. This highlights the need for more transparent and inclusive policies to ensure workplace inclusion and health for all employees.

Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General at ISO, emphasized the importance of this new standard. “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,” he stated.

The new standard is designed for organizations of all sizes and sectors, offering guidance for leaders, managers, human resources professionals, and occupational health and safety practitioners. The ISO has made the standard available at no cost to maximize global access and adoption. By removing financial barriers, the organization aims to support a wide range of businesses in creating more inclusive and supportive working environments.

Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors at BSI, highlighted the importance of this internationally agreed guidance. “Our research shows that conversations around menstruation and menopause are becoming more common in workplaces, but despite three years of progress after the foundational British standard on menopause and menstruation was published, there is still a significant gap between awareness and action,” she said.

Sarah Sim, Director of Standardization at the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS), expressed the significance of developing this international standard. “Developing ISO 45010 brought together experts from different countries, sectors, and disciplines to build international consensus around guidance that can be applied in workplaces worldwide,” she said.

The standard is available for review at the ISO website, providing detailed recommendations and best practices for organizations to implement. With the launch of ISO 45010, the organization hopes to see a more inclusive and supportive working environment for all employees experiencing menstrual and menopausal health challenges.