The first international standard on menstruation and menopause at work

ISO 45010:2026 was published on 7 September. It's the first international standard on supporting menstruation and menopause in the workplace, it applies to organisations of any size, and it's free to access.

What makes it useful is that it treats the subject as part of health, safety and wellbeing, not as a policy on its own. The questions it asks are practical ones. Do managers know what to say when someone raises it? Are adjustments easy to get? Do absence and performance processes take it into account? For larger UK employers there's a deadline attached, since menopause action plans are expected to become mandatory alongside gender pay gap reporting from spring 2027.

The world’s first international standard on menstruation and menopause has arrived – here’s why it matters to employers - make a difference - workplace culture, employee health, wellbeingThe first international standard on menstruation and menopause in the workplace marks a shift from awareness to practical action for employers.makeadifference.media

Most of what the standard asks for comes down to managers who can have the conversation. Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health (Level 1) is where that starts.

Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health (SCQF Level 4 / RQF Level 1) | MHScotBuild confidence to talk about mental health at work with MHScot’s regulated Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health course. Accredited at SCQF Level 4 in Scotland and RQF Level 1 across the UK, this short course introduces key skills for creating a supportive workplace culture.www.mentalhealthscot.land