Embodied Experiences, Workplace Support, and Daily Work Outcomes: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Menstruation at Work

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The menstrual cycle (i.e., an approximately 28-day cycle governed by sex hormones) is an important and underexamined dimension of health within the management literature. Although women constitute approximately half of the global workforce, health experiences unique to female biology remain largely absent from the management literature. Using a three-study mixed-methods approach focused on menstruation, this dissertation provides an evidence-based foundation for scholars and practitioners to investigate the intersection between women's health and work.

Study 1: A qualitative interview study was conducted using grounded theory methodology, focusing on the experiences of women (N = 28) who menstruate and work in in-person roles. The study was guided by two research questions: How does menstruation and the menstrual cycle interact with work? And what types of supports, if any, are needed for menstruating individuals? Findings suggest that four organizational indicators influence women's decisions to embrace menstruation and embodiment (i.e., having a female body with bodily functions) at work: (1) organizational resources (e.g., menstrual product availability); (2) work environment (e.g., bodily autonomy and breaks); (3) social support; and (4) overall culture of health at work. These indicators influenced the extent to which women were required to engage in 'organizational body work' - cognitive, emotional, and physical labour (e.g., concealment; control) to appear sexless.

Study 2: Given the salient role of organizational-level facilitators in affecting participants' experiences in Study 1, a scale development study was conducted to develop a measure of Perceived Organizational Support for Health-Menstruation (POSH-M). Using Hinkin's (1998) multi-phased approach, a 14-item, four-factor scale was developed - a departure from the hypothesized seven-factor structure. The four factors comprising the POSH-M are: (1) autonomy (2) products and facilities; (3) benefits; and (4) normalization.

Study 3: To explore the daily interactions between menstruation, organizational indicators (e.g., POSH-M) and work outcomes, a 40-day experience sampling methodology (ESM) was used. Specific relationships between 'menstrual symptom burden' (i.e., a composite measure of menstrual symptom severity), self-control depletion, presenteeism, cognitive functioning, and POSH-M were examined. Results indicate that the menstrual symptom burden is associated with (a) increased presenteeism via self-control depletion, and (b) decreased cognitive functioning via self-control depletion. POSH-M did not significantly moderate these relationships. Exploratory analyses further compared the experiences of women and men. Mixed model regressions revealed that when men and women experience equivalent health symptom burden, men experience poorer outcomes specific to self-control depletion and cognitive functioning.

General Conclusions: Together, the studies from this dissertation yield three notable insights: (1) women experience a dual burden of managing physical symptoms and social visibility surrounding menstruation; (2) symptom severity undermines work productivity and performance, regardless of workplace support, and (3) the symptom-burden gap of women's health remains underrepresented in management research.