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Survey study, 1986

How much does PMS affect women's work performance?

Most women (65%) reported that their physical work performance decreased 54% of the time due to PMS. They also reported that concentration during mental work decreased 54% of the time.

Early or limited evidence 40 women workers

What they did

Researchers gave 40 women a written questionnaire asking about the effects of PMS on their work performance and concentration.

What they found

65% of respondents reported that their physical performance decreased 54% of the time due to PMS. Respondents also reported that their level of concentration during mental work decreased 54% of the time because of PMS.

What it means for you

Many working women experience significant drops in both physical work capacity and mental concentration due to PMS. The study did not measure actual productivity changes. This is a small sample and relied on women's own reports rather than objective measurement.

40

women surveyed

65%

reported decreased performance

54%

of the time affected

About the study

Original title
Productivity and Pms
Authors
Michael W. Riley, David J. Cochran
Journal
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting
Year
1986
Study design
Survey study

Topics