Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022: How workplaces should maintain menstrual hygiene by breaking the taboos?

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022: Menstruation is a process experienced by about 48% of the country's population. It is a normal part of woman's life. Dealing with the menstrual cycle is never easy, although it is still a hesitation for the society to talk about it. Women are too shy to talk about it in a public place like an office.

There are many preconceived notions and superstitions about it. And because this society shy away from talking about mensuration and wants to keep it secret, we forget to focus on the real issues associated with it. Such as how to maintain menstrual hygiene in the workplace.

Sagar Pandey, Head - Human Relations, Swastika Investmart Ltd. said "I strongly believe that to maintain a healthy menstruation environment in the workplace the first and foremost thing is to make women more comfortable so that they can talk about it without any hesitation. All organizations should take basic steps such as maintaining a stock of products related to menstruation and aligned medical facilities. One can create awareness by conducting different seminars and training which should not only be limited to female colleagues but be open to having a healthy conversation on this subject without any judgments. HR should also be enabled to take necessary action if there is any proven discrimination on this ground." 

These activities help the female employees to talk more freely about the stress and pain they experience. 

"Maintaining proper hygiene and providing sanitary bins are not the only ways to create a menstrual-friendly workplace, spreading the message to all staff, even male colleagues, can help create a more welcoming environment for women, said Jyoti Garg, Director- Human Resource, cargo-partner (India) expressed her views. 

She further said, "During menstruation, women usually struggle with severe pain, difficulty in sleeping, or maybe sickness. To ease the pain, employers should provide a room where employees can relax or lie down for 10 minutes to regain the energy needed to get through the day. The company can also facilitate the employees with a heating pad and medicines that are effective in easing the pain caused by menstrual cramps."

Gautam Kanodia, Managing Director, Hygiene Plus said "Rather than considering menstruation as a stigma or taboo, it is preferable to begin by fostering an environment in which employees may openly discuss and share their issues with their coworkers. They should also provide amenities like free period supplies, a clean restroom, menstrual leave, and stress management assistance during working hours.”

(Disclaimer: The views/suggestions expressed here in this article is solely by experts. Zee Business suggests its readers to consult with their health advisers before making any decision.)