Why Women’s Cycles Should Be a Workplace Strength, Not a Limitation | Blush & Bloom Podcast | Ep. 8

When it comes to women’s health, many workplaces still treat menstruation, menopause, and hormonal changes as private, even taboo topics. But ignoring these realities affects productivity, loyalty, and overall well-being for half the workforce.

In this episode of Blush & Bloom, I spoke with Alissia Quaintance, founder of Cycle Positivity and a licensed naturopathic practitioner, about how organizations can embrace women’s cycles as a strategic advantage rather than a weakness.

Alissia brings a unique perspective, combining years in tech innovation with deep expertise in women’s health. She’s worked with global companies to create psychologically safe spaces, train teams, and build a culture where cycles are understood and respected.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✨ Why women’s health is still treated as a side conversation at work

✨ How cycle awareness can improve productivity, adaptability, and innovation

✨ Practical ways individuals can align work tasks with their menstrual phases

✨ The surprising role male allies play in supporting women’s health at work

✨ How to introduce these conversations into organizations without backlash

✨ Why menopause needs to be a leadership-level conversation

✨ Building trust, removing stigma, and creating safe spaces for dialogue

Turning Cycles into a Strategic Asset

Alissia explained that in her corporate workshops, cycle awareness isn’t framed as a “perk” but as a business advantage.

Hormonal changes can influence energy, creativity, communication, and focus — just like other well-acknowledged factors such as stress or sleep.

For example, during ovulation, many women experience higher verbal fluency and social confidence. Understanding this can help with scheduling key presentations or negotiations.

On the flip side, during menstruation or late luteal phase, planning for quieter, more analytical work can reduce burnout and improve results.

Why Workplace Awareness Matters

Alissia shared that when leaders understand conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, or menopause symptoms, they can better support employees, whether through flexible scheduling, reduced stigma, or proactive health resources.

She’s seen companies make small structural changes, like adding cycle awareness to wellness programs or training managers on inclusive communication, and notice immediate boosts in team trust and engagement.

Male Allies in Action

One of the most surprising outcomes of Cycle Positivity’s programs is the enthusiasm from male participants. Many ask for glossaries of terms, tips for respectful conversations, and ways to advocate for colleagues.

“When you invite men into the conversation, many become some of the strongest champions,” Alissia said. “It shifts workplace culture for everyone.”

Practical Tips for Working With Your Cycle

For individuals, Alissia recommends:

• Tracking your cycle for at least three months to spot patterns

• Using high-energy phases for outward-facing work

• Being compassionate with yourself during low-energy phases

• Adjusting your diet, exercise, and workload to match your needs

About Our Guest: Alissia Quaintance

Alissia Quaintance is the founder of Cycle Positivity and a licensed naturopathic health practitioner in Munich. She combines her background in tech innovation and digital transformation with her expertise in hormonal health to help companies integrate women’s health awareness into workplace culture.

Her mission is simple but powerful: help women see their cycles as strengths, not limitations, and empower organizations to adapt in ways that improve wellbeing, productivity, and inclusion.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Cycle Positivity: www.cyclepositivity.com

• Connect with Alissia on LinkedIn: Alissia Quaintance

More from Asele:

✨ Visit Asele – https://asele.tech/

✨ Try the Asele app – https://asele.health/

✨ Listen to Blush & Bloom – Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

💬 What’s one thing you wish your workplace understood better about women’s health? Share your thoughts or send this episode to someone who should hear it!