The concept of menstrual leave dates back to the 19th century, it is an unorthodox type of leave that allows an individual to take paid or unpaid leave due to illness caused by menstruation. Supporters of this leave often view it as gender equality and equity.
The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies notes that there has been a stigma surrounding this leave, as it often portrays people who menstruate as less able, or as an inconvenience. Furthermore, the fact that menstrual symptoms are not universal, but depend on a specific individual, adds to the controversy and confusion as it makes it difficult to regulate.
Currently, companies and employers around the world have irreconcilable differences when it comes to whether menstrual leave should be implemented universally, similarly to sick leave. However, if an unusual concept such as paternity leave can be accepted and implemented, surely the same can be done for menstrual leave.
“The introduction of menstrual leave would be welcomed as a progressive step for workplace accommodations as it acknowledges that menstruation can affect an individual’s ability to perform their work duties or attend school, and provides them with the option to take time off without fear of negative consequences such as loss of pay, disciplinary action, or stigma,” says gender and social activist Naledi Chirwa.
According to the National Institute of Health (NHI), countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan, Zambia and Mexico have existing policies, although it is difficult to determine how extensively the policies are being implemented.
Before delving into how and why menstrual leave could be beneficial, it is important to first familiarise oneself with what the symptoms of menstruation could look like, to determine whether morally, it makes sense to expect people to work through one or multiple symptoms concurrently.
Health publication Medical News Today notes the following as symptoms associated with menstruation, with the severity dependent on the individual:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea/constipation
- Joint pain
Menstruation also consists of non-physical symptoms such as PMS, which according to The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, can negatively affect one’s quality of life.
Therefore, this is why menstrual leave should be considered and implemented by more countries and employers:
- Normalises discussions about menstruation: Medical News Today acknowledges that a big part of menstruation being considered taboo could be due to the over-saturation of people who are unaware of what it entails
- Improve employees’ well-being: Individuals who experience severe symptoms and disorders such as endometriosis could have adequate time to rest and recover, returning once rejuvenated which NIH believes could improve productivity.
- Could improve staff retention: Employees whose well-being is well taken off are more likely to remain in a company. According to Days for Girls, “Companies with menstrual leave policies indicate perceived improvement in employee satisfaction and increased productivity.
Although the conversation surrounding menstrual leave is still unclear, one step towards more inclusivity employers could take is to include a few sanitary items in bathrooms, to assist in case of emergencies and for convenience.
Also see: Trying to make work friends? A guide on how to combat loneliness in the workplace
