Overview of Menstrual Leave
By Grace Fox
Anyone who has tried to perform their daily activities while dealing with severe cramps or other challenges related to menstruation can understand the appeal of menstrual leave. But what is it exactly, and what are the potential positives and negatives of these policies in the workplace?
Menstrual leave is a policy created either by a government or an employer that allows women to take days off if they are experiencing difficulty due to their period. This leave can either be paid or unpaid. Some employers also offer more flexibility, including the option to work from home.
According to Niha Masih of the Washington Post, these policies extend as far back as 1947 (1). Japan introduced labor laws restricting employers from asking women to work on days they were experiencing pain or difficulties from menstruation. Spain recently became the first European country to provide paid leave on a national scale, and is funding this program through the government. Spanish women have the right to three days of leave a month, but they can extend it to five if necessary.
Positives
Although these policies are becoming more common, they are far from widespread, despite having a number of positives.
Preserving Sick Days
Some women have to take sick days when their period symptoms are troublesome, leaving less time available for sudden illness. With menstrual leave, women would have more flexibility both during their period and at other times when they are sick. Preserving sick time can be especially important for women who are facing other health concerns or who have family members in their care.
Recognition of Menstrual Pain & Other Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, menstruation can be accompanied by a wide variety of physical and mental symptoms, including fatigue, cramps, stomach pain, back pain, mood swings, and headaches (2). Oftentimes women are expected to work through their pain, despite the impact it has on their productivity and overall well being. Acknowledging that some of the sick leave women take is for menstrual issues may draw attention to the difficulty that it presents in many people’s lives, as well as promoting the awareness of related women’s health issues, such as endometriosis and PCOS.
More Employment Possibilities for Women with Period Related Health Challenges
One study shows that among a group of women with endometriosis, 20.4% lost or quit their job due to the condition, while another 24.6% reduced their hours worked because of the same concerns (3). With flexible menstrual leave policies in place, women who have endometriosis and many other health conditions that affect menstruation may find and retain work more easily. Although absenteeism may still prove to be a problem, especially for those with severe symptoms, having even three days off a month has the chance to vastly improve the working lives of many women. Having work-from-home options may be especially helpful for those who may be able to work, but for whom a commute and being away from pain management tools may be out of reach.
Negatives
Perpetuating Stereotypes
Although a well-written menstrual leave policy could defend against negative stereotypes, a poorly written one may enforce them. Many women face being unjustly characterized as unreliable, emotional, or incompetent because of their period. Women having the option to have a few days leave every month may contribute to potential employers viewing women as inconsistent and overall a poor choice for the position. It may also lead to women being passed over for promotions and raises because supervisors may view them as “not being a team player” or “not working hard enough” for taking the leave that the policy allows. These policies may also lead people to believe that every woman is incapable of working while menstruating, which is certainly not the case.
Invasion of Privacy
Some women may feel comfortable sharing their personal health information, but many may not want to relay this information to an employer. Some may worry about reinforcing negative stereotypes, while others may simply be uncomfortable with a supervisor or boss knowing details about their health. Unfortunately, these policies also have the potential to fuel harassment, and many women may not be willing to take that chance.
Increasing Stigma
Around the world, many women would like to participate in educational and occupational activities, but are not able to because of menstrual stigma. Although it may seem a distant possibility for many American women, even in the US many associated periods with shame and being dirty. Menstrual leave policies may increase this stigma by effectively encouraging women not to participate in public life while menstruating.
Although there are some negative aspects to menstrual leave, it is a policy to carefully consider. Discussion of menstrual leave can also help open up other helpful conversations, including reform of sick leave policies and the prevalence of a number of conditions related to menstruation. Multiple companies and government organizations are experimenting with new policies in recent years, and hopefully we will have helpful data to inform better workplace accommodations.
Sources
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/17/spain-paid-menstrual-leave-countries/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
