Those of us who menstruate know all too well how debilitating those few days a month can be. Between cramps, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and a million other symptoms, even getting out of bed when we’re on our period really sucks. However, some companies are starting to be sympathetic to our plight and are offering “period leave” for those who need it.
- The city of Girona in Spain is leading the way. They’ve recently approved up to eight hours of monthly menstrual leave. That means if you need to leave halfway through the day or come in a bit late during your cycle because you’re not quite right, you can do that without worrying about losing your job.
- However, there is a catch. This isn’t just free time off. Workers in Girona will have to make up the hours they’ve taken off within three months’ time, which kinda sucks. However, it’s better than nothing.
- Some companies are taking things even further. Australian period underwear company Modibodi and Canadian menstrual cup brand Diva Cup all offer paid period leave with no need to make up the time you take off. Now that’s what I’m talking about! A company called The Stock Dork even decided to create its own paid menstrual leave policy after owner Adam Garcia heard from his female friend how painful and at times debilitating periods can be.
- Of course, not everyone is happy about it. You have men who claim that it’s “not fair” that women get added time off (despite the fact that they don’t have to have periods!) and women who admit they’d feel uncomfortable taking advantage of such a policy anyway. Other critics claim that it makes women look “weak” to take time off because they’re menstruating, which is absolutely ridiculous. Some people worry that making paid menstrual leave mandatory would mean women would get hired less since providing sick pay costs employers roughly $3.60 per day. That’s not much, but for some particularly greedy (and misogynistic) companies, it adds up.
[H/T Diply]
