Discreet menstruation, loud consequences: Menstrual related symptoms predict absenteeism and presenteeism, while contextual workplace factors fail to buffer their impact
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2025-12-16
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en
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Menstruation is a universal biological process, yet in most workplaces it remains invisible and rarely discussed. This silence has resulted in a research gap, as Menstrual-Related Symptoms (MRS) are rarely examined as contextual workplace factors influencing women’s wellbeing and productivity at work. To address this gap, this study examined how MRS relate to absenteeism and presenteeism, and whether workplace flexibility, working hours, and Perceived Employer Support (PES) moderate these relationships. An online survey was conducted among 368 employed women in the Netherlands aged 18-45. MRS, absenteeism and presenteeism were operationalised through self-developed measures based on previous research of Schoep et al. (2019). Workplace flexibility, working hours and PES were measured using validated items. Data were analysed in SPSS using multiple regression and Hayes’ PROCESS Model 1. MRS significantly predicted both absenteeism and presenteeism, with the association being stronger for presenteeism. None of the hypothesised moderation effects were supported: workplace flexibility and PES did not alter these relationships, while working hours weakened the association between MRS and absenteeism. PES showed a positive main effect on absenteeism. These findings indicate that MRS are a robust determinant of MRS-related absenteeism and presenteeism. Organisations should move beyond awareness and take concrete action through supportive policies. Theoretically, this study extends Conservation of Resources (COR) theory by conceptualising MRS as recurring resource depletion processes, highlighting the need for research.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen