A Day Off For Periods. Do We Really Need It?

by Adira Editorial on
A Day Off For Periods. Do We Really Need It?

Image Credits: AI Generated

What Is Menstrual Leave?

What Is Menstrual Leave?

Image Credits: AI Generated

Menstrual leave, also known as period leave, is a workplace policy that allows employees to take time off or work flexibly when they experience symptoms related to menstruation.

For some people, periods cause mild discomfort. For others, symptoms such as severe cramps, migraines, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and heavy bleeding can make it difficult to carry out daily activities.

Menstrual leave policies vary across organisations. Some companies offer paid leave specifically for periods, while others allow flexible work arrangements, remote work, or additional sick leave.

The goal of menstrual leave is not to provide special treatment but to create a supportive workplace where employees can manage their health without stigma.

Who May Benefit From Menstrual Leave?

Who May Benefit From Menstrual Leave?

Image Credits: AI Generated

Every person's experience with periods is different.

While many people can continue their usual routines during menstruation, others may experience symptoms that affect their ability to work comfortably.

Menstrual leave may be particularly helpful for people living with:

  • Severe menstrual cramps

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding

  • Endometriosis

  • Adenomyosis

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Migraines linked to menstrual cycles

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Recognising that menstrual symptoms vary from person to person can help workplaces create more inclusive policies.

Benefits Of Menstrual Leave Policies

Benefits Of Menstrual Leave Policies

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Supportive workplace policies can benefit both employees and organisations.

Potential benefits include:

  • Reduced stigma around menstruation

  • Better employee well-being

  • Increased productivity and focus

  • Lower absenteeism caused by untreated symptoms

  • Improved workplace inclusivity

  • Greater employee satisfaction and retention

Open conversations about menstrual health can help employees seek support when needed and encourage healthier work environments.

Concerns Around Menstrual Leave

While many people support menstrual leave policies, others worry about potential challenges.

Common concerns include:

  • Reinforcing stereotypes about women in the workplace

  • Privacy concerns

  • Fear of discrimination during hiring or promotions

  • Difficulty implementing policies fairly

  • Lack of awareness about menstrual health

For menstrual leave policies to be effective, organisations should focus on education, flexibility, and creating a culture of trust.

Alternatives To Menstrual Leave

Alternatives To Menstrual Leave

Image Credits: AI Generated

Menstrual leave may not be the right solution for every workplace.

Other supportive options include:

  • Flexible work hours

  • Remote work options

  • Additional wellness or sick leave days

  • Access to clean washrooms and menstrual products

  • Rest areas at the workplace

  • Menstrual health education programmes

Offering employees multiple options allows them to choose the support that best meets their needs.

When Is Period Pain Not Normal?

Mild discomfort during periods is common, but severe symptoms should not be ignored.

Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Pain that interferes with daily activities

  • Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads every hour

  • Periods lasting longer than seven days

  • Severe fatigue or dizziness

  • Pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medication

  • Sudden changes in your menstrual cycle

These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Our company, Yashram Lifestyle, is in the business of easing the everyday challenges faced by women—whether they’re girls, mothers, or simply navigating life as women. Our brands are Morph, a maternity wear brand and Adira, an intimate wear brand. We make products like the patented Period Panties, specialised bras for growing girls, maternity clothing, maternity intimates and more.

Our company is about 80% women, so there is no taboo or awkwardness discussing periods. This, combined with the fact that we are the makers of Period Panties, period conversation is a very common thing in our daily lives. When news broke of an Indian company in Mumbai offering menstrual leave for its women employees, it prompted us to consider whether we should do the same. So we asked our dynamic group of women across teams what they thought. And here is what they said.

Our finance officer Bhargavi confided that she would consider it a welcome change as most of her holidays are used up by her first day of period. And Priya, our Director said "Yes, definitely. First day is always critical and having a day off will be helpful."

Our customer support head, Sambhabi, said that a day off during periods—whether it’s the first or second—would be a huge relief. Our chief designer, Priyambada, added that menstrual leave would help, as coming into work often leaves her feeling unwell and unfocused.

Divya, Program Director of our social initiative HowToTellYourChild said, "I think we do. For women who deal with PCOS and suffer from painful cramps, having the first day of their period off would help save their leave for later while reducing stress about working while being in pain."

And now, to me, Deepa, the CEO of the company. Personally, my experience with periods has changed over the years—it’s now more intense, and I’ve learned to listen to my body’s needs so I don’t fall behind. But over the past few years, my cramps have gotten worse, and I don't feel 100% on the first day. I find myself working from home on most first days.

That said, I also need to run a startup that demands attention, and I rely on my team to be present and productive every working day. With most of our workforce being women, it’s a tough call—we must keep our teams balanced and supported all month while accommodating needs that don’t follow a schedule.

So we decided that each person would assess how they feel on the day in question. If the day is bad, we get the day off. If we can be productive from home, we get the flexibility to work from home. And if we can make it to work, we do. We work together on this. Period.

We thought this was fair. What do you think?

Frequently Asked Questions About Period Leave

What is period leave?

Period leave is a workplace policy that allows employees to take time off or work flexibly when they experience menstrual symptoms.

Should everyone get period leave?

Not everyone experiences periods in the same way. While some people may not need time off, others may have symptoms that significantly affect their daily activities.

Is period pain normal?

Mild cramps are common, but severe pain that affects work, school, or daily life is not considered normal.

Which health conditions can make periods more difficult?

Conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, adenomyosis, fibroids, and PMDD can make periods more challenging.

Can period pain affect productivity?

Yes. Severe cramps, fatigue, headaches, and heavy bleeding can affect concentration and productivity.

Is menstrual leave available in all workplaces?

No. Menstrual leave policies vary by employer and country.

What are alternatives to menstrual leave?

Flexible working hours, remote work, wellness leave, and better access to menstrual products are common alternatives.

When should I see a doctor for period pain?

Consult a healthcare professional if your pain interferes with daily activities, your bleeding is unusually heavy, or your symptoms suddenly worsen.

Can talking openly about periods help reduce stigma?

Yes. Open conversations about menstrual health can help create more supportive workplaces and reduce misconceptions.

Are periods a valid reason to take sick leave?

If menstrual symptoms prevent you from carrying out your normal activities, taking time off to rest and recover is appropriate.

Shop all Adira essentials, including period pantiesfor an extra 10% off using code "PERIODDAYOFF

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