ISO launches first global workplace menopause standard

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released ISO 45010, the first global standard regarding menopause and perimenopause in the workplace. Designed for organizations of all sizes, the standard provides guidance on workplace design, policy development, management training, and worker education to support employees and reduce stigma.

In the United Kingdom, the impact of menopause on employment is significant. Data indicates that symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, and brain fog often lead women to seek self-employment to escape rigid working hours and unsympathetic environments. A UK survey found that 82% of female and non-binary workers experiencing symptoms reported an impact on their ability to work, specifically regarding concentration, stress, and confidence. Estimates suggest approximately 60,000 women in the UK are not in employment due to perimenopause or menopause.