Two Bristol firms have joined forces to help break menstrual and menopause stereotypes in the workplace.
The link-up between Independent Health and Wellbeing Group (IHWG), which provides businesses with women’s healthcare services, and sustainable period product company Grace & Green puts them on a mission to dismantle the taboo surrounding women’s health in the workplace, including aiming to prevent the potential loss of 3.5m female employees.
Bridging the gap between menstrual health and menopause, the partnership provides organisations with a comprehensive approach to support women’s health needs and comes in response to alarming statistics revealing that 23% of working women in the UK have contemplated leaving their jobs due to the impact of menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Grace & Green, known for its award-winning organic and sustainable products, already collaborates with IHWG’s experts in menstrual health education to offer products, education and confidence-building.
Through education on menstruation, menstrual conditions, menopause and everything in between, the new partnership seeks to break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations across the board.
This includes offering menstrual products, flexible work arrangements and fostering a supportive culture to destigmatise women’s health, ensuring all employees feel valued and supported.
IHWG specialises in providing unique learning experiences that normalise menopause and menstruation in the workplace.
IHWG founder Hazel Hayden, pictured above, said: “As we embark on this journey with Grace & Green, our shared mission is to dismantle the barriers surrounding women’s health in the workplace.
“By combining forces, we aim to cultivate a culture where menstrual health and menopause are not only understood but actively catered for in the UK.
“This partnership signifies a crucial step towards fostering inclusive workplaces where every individual, regardless of their gender, can thrive without fear or stigma.
“Together, we are rewriting the narrative around women’s health, creating a brighter and more equitable future for employees across the board.”
Grace & Green’s 100% organic and sustainable products aim to alleviate worries associated with menstruation in the workplace.
A growing number of businesses and other organisations already provide free period products, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and support for all employees.
Grace & Green founder Fran Lucraft, pictured, added: “We believe that access to safe and sustainable period products is a fundamental human right.
“No one should have to compromise their health, career or dignity because they don’t have access to essential menstrual products when they need them.
“Having free period products that are visible and starting conversations in the workplace is an important and simple way to begin breaking the stigmas associated with menstruation.
“We believe this partnership will be a significant step towards breaking down barriers for people who menstruate within the workplace.
“It’s cheaper than buying toilet roll. The question isn’t why are we starting this partnership, it’s simply why isn’t everybody doing it?”
Fran, who spent more than a decade in the water and sanitation sector specialising in environmental management, international development and climate change, launched Grace & Green in 2019 after three years of intense research and product development.
It became the most sustainable period care brand in the UK and Europe last September after gaining the coveted B Corps accreditation.
