Managers still unprepared to discuss menstrual health, study finds

Few HR professionals believe managers are properly trained to support employees with endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions, new research has revealed.

Only 16 per cent of HR professionals said line managers had the training or resources to effectively support staff with menstrual health issues, according to new research.

That figure dropped to 13 per cent for endometriosis – a disease affecting the lining of the womb, which impacts one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause.

The research, carried out by HR software provider Ciphr and the charity Endometriosis UK, surveyed 121 HR professionals and leaders in summer 2025.

It also found that many employers do not provide free period products or have flexible uniform rules.

Julie Burns is the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme manager at Endometriosis UK.

She said: “We know that there are many HR professionals already putting in place the right measures to enable those with endometriosis to feel valued, be productive and contribute to their organisation’s success – but as a charity we also hear stories of women and those assigned female at birth treated unfairly or without sympathy, forced to change careers or abandon their ambitions, because of the disease.

“We hope HR professionals recognise that providing support to the estimated 1.5m in the UK with endometriosis is in their interests.

“Doing so will not only enable that community to achieve their potential, but it sends a message to your wider team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments.”

Menstrual health policies were far less common among UK employers (11 per cent) than those for mental health (57 per cent) or peri/menopause (48 per cent).

However, flexible working – offered by 89 per cent of employers – may provide some support for employees with endometriosis.

Only 21 per cent of employers recorded data on how many staff had a diagnosed or suspected menstrual health condition such as endometriosis.

Meanwhile, 29 per cent said free period products were not supplied at work, with another 3 per cent unsure.

Among organisations where uniforms are worn, just 18 per cent said employees were asked whether adjustments were needed.

This could be particularly relevant for those with endometriosis, who may experience bloating or heavy bleeding that can temporarily alter body shape by up to two dress sizes.

Claire Hawes, chief people and operations officer at Ciphr, said employers should take the findings seriously.

She said: “It’s concerning that these results reveal such a wide gap in organisational awareness and readiness to support employees living with endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions.

“When managers are perceived as unapproachable or ill-equipped to respond with empathy and understanding, organisations risk sidelining the needs of a significant part of their workforce.

“HR teams have a vital role to play in changing this. Managers must be empowered to support their people holistically – not just in terms of performance and KPIs, but in their health and wellbeing too.

“That means investing in training, implementing flexible policies, signposting resources, and fostering open, compassionate conversations about health.”

Sanchia Alasia is a trustee of Endometriosis UK and senior HR professional who lives with endometriosis.

Alasia said: “My personal and professional experience shows me that a little bit of flexibility can go a really long way.

“Those with endometriosis need to know that if they have a flare-up or need to attend a medical appointment, they can tell a manager and be believed and understood, rather than judged.

“That flexibility needs to be there both in the culture of an organisation and in the policies that line managers rely on.

“Ultimately, line managers need clarity, and all sorts of employees may need that flexibility at some time or another, regardless of whether they have endometriosis, another medical condition, or other circumstances affecting them.”