Women menstruate every month, and it can be a pretty painful experience for some women. The pain gets to be so debilitating that it’s hard for them to go about their day’s work. And the stigma around menstruation is so much that such women who suffer so much pain during their period don’t want to come across as unproductive, thereby foregoing taking a day off. Plus it would be considered a sick day, which will just lessen the number of leaves from their quota.
However, the corporate world and the world in general, might be changing – and for the better too. A British company has announced a period policy which allows its female staffers to take time off when they’re on their period, and it wouldn’t be considered as a regular sick day.
Image source: Shutterstock
The Bristol-based company, Coexist, is headed by director Bex Baxter, and she said that the move is an attempt to synchronize work with the body’s natural cycles.
Speaking to The Guardian, she said,
“I have managed many female members of staff over the years and I have seen women at work who are bent over double because of the pain caused by their periods. Despite this, they feel they cannot go home because they do not class themselves as unwell.”
“And this is unfair. At Coexist, we are very understanding. If someone is in pain – no matter what kind – they are encouraged to go home. But, for us, we wanted a policy in place which recognizes and allows women to take time for their body’s natural cycle without putting this under the label of illness.”
Suggested read: Behold marijuana tampons! Say bye bye to menstrual cramps!
Baxter’s company, Coexist, has about 31 staffers, among which 24 are women. It manages Hamilton House, which runs the space for artists, activists, and community organizations.
Baxter says she wants to eliminate the negative association that menstruation has. She said,
“If you work with your natural rhythms, your creativity and intelligence is more fulfilled. And that’s got to be good for business.”
This policy is commendable, and we wish more and more companies become aware of the pain and the struggle that women go through during menstruation – which is a monthly occurrence – and bring about the change so that they can take the necessary time off without having to compromise on their work ethic or health.
What do you think about this period policy? Is it unnecessary? Or is it a welcome change? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Featured image source: Shutterstock
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