Author: Maja Springer
The possibility of women taking menstrual leave is still a topic of public debate. It is increasingly being said that such an arrangement is necessary to preserve gender equality in the workplace. More and more companies are choosing to introduce such an option, and in some countries it is already written into the labor law. In this article, we will present arguments why women might need period leave and why such a solution is worth considering.
Why Menstrual Leave Is Important for Women Health?
The menstrual leave policy is an idea that emerged in Soviet Russia in the 1920s and 1930s and then was also adopted by Japan and another Asian countries. Nowadays, more and more companies, including in Europe, are deciding to establish menstrual leave. The purpose of such a solution is to support women whose menstrual symptoms highly affect daily functioning, including work life. It also contributes to maintaining gender equality in the workplace.
The primary symptoms of menstruation that women may experience are lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, breast pain, bowel issues, headache, fatigue, and even sleep problems. However, it is important to remember that every woman experiences different symptoms of menstruation and in varying degrees of severity. While some women barely feel the presence of menstruation, for others it is a great inconvenience and even suffering.
Thus, there will be both women who will never need menstrual leave and those for whom it will be a necessity.
Benefits of Menstrual Leave for Employee Well-being and Work Efficiency
The introduction of menstrual leave has many benefits for both employees and the employer. First of all, those who experience severe symptoms that make it difficult to work will be able to rest and not subject themselves to even more pain or discomfort. They will also be able to avoid the use of very strong medications that do not leave the body unaffected. This will also prevent errors in work done due to their condition. With period leave, women will be able to return to work at a time when they are once again at full strength and their efficiency.
Menstrual leave is also a competitive advantage for the company. The ability to take such a leave of absence from work will encourage more women to work in the company and also to stay with a particular company for a long time. The company will also be positively perceived by the public as inclusive, fair and caring for its employees.
Menstrual Leave as a Gender Equality
Introducing menstrual leave in a company is also a step toward gender equality in a work place. It acknowledges and accommodates the differences between biological experiences of males and females.
Due to the menstrual symptoms discussed earlier, women may find it much more difficult to function during menstruation due to pain or fatigue. This condition can have a significant impact on their performance at work, which doesn’t apply to males. Providing opportunities for rest during this time is therefore an effort to equalize gender opportunities in the workplace.
Alternative Solutions to Menstrual Leave
Not all women need or want to take period leave. However, many of them would certainly appreciate other workplace amenities during their menstrual days. For office work, offering flexible hours or the possibility to work from home could be helpful for many woman during their menstruation.
In addition, a good amenity would be the creation of a “menstrual medicine cabinet” at the company, which could include sanitary pads, tampons or painkillers and even thermophores, which many women find a relief from pain. A comfortable sitting position or the ability to lie down is also important for comfort during this period. In this case, it is worth taking care of comfortable chairs in the office, or buying couches or poufs.
Conclusions
The introduction of menstrual leave in a company is beneficial both for employees and their productivity, as well as for the company and its image. Considering the needs of women in the workplace during this period is an progressive step toward creating an inclusive work environment that cares about gender equality. So it's worth considering implementing a menstrual leave policy at your company.
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