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What is BS ISO 45010:2026 - Occupational health and safety management – Menstruation and menopause in the workplace - Guidance about?
BS ISO 45010:2026 gives you guidance on developing workplace policies and practices that support menstruation, menstrual health and menopause at work. It is designed to help you create a healthier, more inclusive and more supportive working environment.
BS ISO 45010 builds on BS 30416:2023, the world's first standard for menstruation, menstrual health, and menopause in the workplace, which was published by BSI.
Following significant international interest and adoption, the guidance was taken forward through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), allowing experts from around the world to contribute to its development. BSI has played a leading role in this journey, serving as Secretariat for the international committee responsible for developing BS ISO 45010.
The result is a globally recognized standard that gives organizations a single, internationally agreed approach to supporting menstruation and menopause at work. The standard is applicable to any organization, regardless of size or sector. It can also be adapted to your own business needs.
It does not provide medical guidance or clinical options outside the workplace. It also does not apply to andropause.
Who is BS ISO 45010:2026 - Occupational health and safety management – Menstruation and menopause in the workplace - Guidance for?
BS ISO 45010:2026 is for any organization that wants to support workers who experience menstruation, menstrual health issues, perimenopause, or menopause at work. It is especially relevant for:
- Policy makers.
- Managers and supervisors responsible for workloads, well-being, or the work environment.
- HR professionals.
- Health and safety teams.
- Diversity and inclusion specialists.
- Occupational health and safety professionals.
- Onsite healthcare professionals.
- Architects and interior designers.
What does BS ISO 45010:2026 - Occupational health and safety management – Menstruation and menopause in the workplace - Guidance cover?
BS ISO 45010:2026 gives you guidance on how to develop supportive workplace policies and practices. It covers areas that can influence how people experience menstruation and menopause at work, including policy, job design, the physical workplace and organizational culture.
It also includes practical actions, templates, information on disclosure and privacy and guidance on how it aligns with BS ISO 45001. The standard can help you address:
- Stigma and silence around menstruation and menopause.
- Absenteeism, presenteeism and disengagement linked to lack of support.
- Retention challenges and turnover costs.
- Lack of clear policy and practical workplace guidance.
- Inequity and exclusion in workplace design and culture.
Why should you use BS ISO 45010:2026 - Occupational health and safety management – Menstruation and menopause in the workplace - Guidance?
Supporting menstruation and menopause at work can help you build a healthier, more inclusive, and more productive workplace. It can also support worker well-being, strengthen engagement and reduce stigma.
Using BS ISO 45010:2026 can help you:
- Increase worker engagement.
- Improve worker health and well-being.
- Support retention.
- Improve awareness among managers.
- Strengthen diversity and inclusion objectives.
- Reduce the financial costs of attrition, recruitment, and training.
- Help meet occupational health expectations from suppliers and buyers.
BS ISO 45010:2026 builds on BS 30416, the world’s first standard on menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace. It gives organizations a single internationally agreed approach to help support people consistently across global operations.
What does the international transition mean for you?
If you've already implemented BS 30416, you'll find much of the guidance familiar. BS ISO 45010:2026 builds on the same core principles, including policy development, work and role design, the physical workplace and organizational culture.
However, BS ISO 45010:2026 also includes:
- Additional practical actions and implementation guidance.
- New templates and supporting resources.
- Expanded guidance on disclosure and privacy.
- Information on how the guidance aligns with BS EN ISO 45001.
· For organizations operating internationally, BS ISO 45010:2026 provides a consistent reference point that can be used across multiple countries and locations.
If you're already using BS 30416, we recommend moving to BS ISO 45010:2026 as your primary reference going forward. If you're new to this topic, BS ISO 45010:2026 is the best place to start.