PMS in the workplace: Dispelling the myth of cyclic dysfunction

Abstract

To examine the notion that cyclic dysfunction among female employees is a pervasive workplace problem, 438 employees completed a survey of the past week's stress, health and work experiences. A 4 (menstrual cycle status) X 2 (occupational level) analysis showed no differences between groups of perimenstrual women, postmenstrual women, non-menstruating women, and male colleagues on dimensions of illness, wellness, work performance, absenteeism, or subjective stress; although there were occupational differences in stress, health and work impairment. Women with perceived premenstrual syndrome (PMS) showed no evidence of perimenstrual dysfunction. This group consistently reported high stress, poor health, and work impairment across the menstrual cycle. Employers need not fear cyclic decrements in female employees' productivity; however, self-diagnosed PMS appears to be linked with persistent health and work problems.

Premenstrual Symptoms and Work: Exploring Female Staff Experiences and Recommendations for Workplaces

“…To date, research has primarily focused on the relationship between premenstrual symptom severity and the rates of absenteeism, job performance and productivity. Several studies have shown reductions in work productivity, performance, and higher absence from work in staff who reported problematic premenstrual symptoms (e.g., [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]), with very few exceptions (e.g., [ 21 ]). Borenstein and colleagues [ 13 ] found a 13.7% absenteeism rate (days taken as absence) for women with premenstrual symptoms and a 15% reduction in work productivity ( N = 364).…”

Perception of premenstrual syndrome and attitude of evaluations of work performance among incoming university female students

“…[4] There is also some debate as to whether PMS is associated with the performance of women in the workplace. [5,6] Although PMS is very common, Houston et al [7] indicated that only 2% of teenage women reported receiving information regarding menstruation from their healthcare providers. In some conservative areas, such as Asian countries, menstruation and its related problems are considered to be taboo topics.…”

PMS in the Workplace: Myth or Method?

“…Although research to fill the numerous gaps in our understanding of PMS is encouraged, methodologic imprecision compromises Hardie's findings. Hardie (1997), in an article titled "PMS in the Workplace: Dispelling the Myth of Cyclic Dysfunction," claimed to provide evidence that menstrual cycle status has no effect on female employees' work performance. In doing so, she opened and closed her presentation by referencing our earlier work, published in this journal, in which we (Phillips & Bedeian, 1989) offered that there was yet clear-cut scientific evidence that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) adversely affects workplace behavior.…”

“…

Hardie (1997) purportedly examined the effects of menstrual cycle status and perceived (i.e., self-diagnosed) premenstrual syndrome on work performance. Although research to fill the numerous gaps in our understanding of PMS is encouraged, methodologic imprecision compromises Hardie's findings.

…”