The scale of the problem
Despite 1,000+ period-tracking apps, menstrual symptoms continue to undermine workplace productivity. Study data show that 45% of Flo app users miss work due to symptoms, averaging 5.8 days per year. Over 75% report concentration issues; 89% decreased energy. Drops in efficiency (68%) and engagement (71.6%) follow. These figures, excluding presenteeism, suggest even higher real costs. In the US, a Mira-completed study measured a $196 billion productivity loss businesses ignore at their own peril
A Danish study of 32,000 women found nearly 14% missed work for menstrual symptoms, equal to over 23 days of lost productivity annually. Over 80% reported decreased presenteeism. Crucially, only 20% cited menstrual reasons for absence, meaning recorded data underestimates the real economic impact.
This economic burden is global: Australia measures menstrual pain’s impact at $10 billion per year, while the UK faces nearly $15 billion in losses from menstrual pain and endometriosis. Every country that employs women is absorbing these costs, whether measured or not.
Research from McKinsey and the World Economic Forum estimates closing the women’s health gap as a $1 trillion global opportunity. Yet barriers—insufficient research, limited care access, provider training, limited patient knowledge and skyrocketing costs—persist. The business case seems clear. What will it take for employers to respond en masse?
Economic pressures have catalyzed change before—and can and must do so again.
Link: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/cost-menstrual-symptoms-workplaces-184942571.html