Menses, Marriage, Miscarriage and Menopause:

Navigating Women's Life Experiences in the Workplace

Women account for 47.7% of the global workforce and hold 50.04% of all jobs in the U.S. They bring a wealth of talent, skill, and perspective. Yet their journey is often marked by challenges that are seldom acknowledged or addressed.?

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, women's unique experiences often remain in the shadows, shrouded in silence and unnecessary shame.?

From the cycle of menstruation to the profound impact of miscarriage, the status of marriage and motherhood, to the transformative experience of menopause, these aspects of women's lives can profoundly impact their well-being, performance, and advancement in the workplace.

Menses: Breaking the Taboo

“Is it that time of the month?”

Most women have heard this statement at one time or another.?A microaggression meant to question a woman’s assertiveness or expression of vulnerability—an immature excuse to call a woman a b*tch or a baby. A natural biological rhythm has become stigmatized and trivialized.

From the time a young girl experiences her first menses, discussions around menstruation are often taboo, leaving many women to navigate this aspect of their lives in hiding, especially within the workplace.?

From discreetly tucking a pad or tampon in one’s pocket on the way to the restroom to masking the discomfort and pain one might be experiencing, the topic of menstrual cycles can bring with it a range of physical, mental, and emotional challenges.?

Menses are not the same for each woman. Some experience minimal discomfort, while others have very painful and heavy period cycles. This can be due to endometriosis, a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, which are usually present in small amounts in women. Sometimes, it may be due to the presence of fibroids.?

The physical and emotional challenges accompanying menstruation can affect productivity, concentration, and overall well-being. Trust me, if women could turn off their flow and all that comes with it once they start work, they would.

It's time to create a workplace environment where discussing menstrual health is met with understanding, not awkwardness. Employers have a responsibility to make women feel comfortable discussing their needs and provide the necessary accommodations and support to manage their health and well-being effectively.?This includes having menstrual supplies available in the restroom and flexibility around work schedules when women need to stay home because the pain is unbearable.

Marriage and Motherhood

Marriage often comes with societal expectations and stereotypes. For single women, there’s the assumption that because they aren’t married, they will be married to the work.

On the other hand, if she’s married, especially with children, it's crucial to recognize that a woman's commitment to her personal life doesn't diminish her dedication to her professional pursuits.?

It’s interesting how the shift in marital status from single to married can impact a woman’s professional trajectory. Factor in children, and we find that there’s what’s considered a fatherhood bonus yet a motherhood penalty when it comes to a gender gap in pay. Findings show a wage penalty of 4% per child for motherhood. The expectation of balancing career aspirations with familial responsibilities can create added pressure, decreased wages, and stress.

?A workplace that respects and values the complexities of individuals' personal lives creates a foundation for a more engaged and fulfilled workforce. Flexible work policies, supportive leadership, a culture that values work-life alignment, and equitable pay and promotion are essential in ensuring women can thrive personally and professionally.

Miscarriage: Navigating Grief in the Professional Sphere?

Miscarriage, a deeply personal and often isolating experience, deserves acknowledgment and understanding within the workplace. This profound and personal grief journey can have a profound impact on a woman's mental and emotional well-being. Yet, in the workplace, this topic remains veiled in discomfort, often lacking the necessary support and resources to help women navigate this journey.

I recall reading a story about a woman who had experienced a miscarriage and chose to work several days from home as she was still experiencing bleeding after her loss. She ended up being fired and was told by her employer that when his wife had a miscarriage early in their marriage, she only took a half-day off work. The lack of empathy is real and damaging.

Ten to twenty percent of women who know they are pregnant will experience a miscarriage. One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage—that's not one in four women will have a miscarriage, but that in all pregnancies, 25 percent of them will end in grief.

Creating a compassionate space for women who have experienced miscarriages is not just a moral obligation but a strategic move toward building a more humane and psychologically safe environment. Providing flexible leave policies and access to resources such as counseling can make a world of difference to women navigating this difficult time.

Menopause: Embracing Change with Grace?

Menopause is a transition that all women experience that can bring about a range of physical and psychological changes. Yet, discussions around menopause are often met with discomfort or dismissal in the workplace.

The symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, fatigue, hair loss, anxiety, and adult acne, which can impact performance and well-being. Moreover, the hormonal changes that accompany menopause can also affect cognitive function and mood.

“I thought I was losing my mind.” A senior executive once told me as I brought up the subject of perimenopause. She shared how she became upset that no other woman warned her about this transition. Oddly enough, when I suggested we have a conversation about perimenopause and menopause at the company, she quickly dismissed the idea. Unfortunately, when she suggested something similar, the women were the ones uncomfortable about having this conversation in the workplace. Regrettably, that means more women struggle in silence, and others are left uneducated about this natural season of a woman’s life.

By implementing policies that accommodate the needs of women experiencing menopause, we provide them with the support they need to navigate this transition with confidence and dignity and ensure that menopause doesn't become a barrier to professional success. Also, we not only promote their health but also contribute to a workplace that values diversity and inclusivity across all life stages.?

The Path to Progress: Inclusivity and Empowerment

For true progress to occur, workplaces must evolve beyond traditional norms. Inclusivity and empowerment are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving workplace.?

We all experience changes and challenges in our lives. What we should not do is make natural changes taboo and unnecessarily difficult. Essential aspects of women's health deserve more attention and understanding in the workplace.

Employers can foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity?where women feel valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential. They can break down taboos, offer support and accommodations where needed,?and implement policies that prioritize women's well-being.

I'm curious to know how your organization supports women. What policies and accommodations have they implemented to help women thrive regardless of their season of life? Also, please let me know how this month's issue resonated with you.??

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Farah Harris is a psychotherapist and the founder of WorkingWell Daily?, a company that approaches workplace belonging and well-being from a psycho-social and emotional intelligence lens. Farah has helped individuals and Fortune 500 companies develop healthier workplaces where employees want to stay and thrive because their leaders and teams have grown in empathy, self-awareness, social awareness, and cultural awareness.

Purchase a copy of my bestselling book The Color of Emotional Intelligence wherever books are sold.