health and fitness: Painkillers, hot water bottles – and a day off work: the benefits of a period policy

mercredi 2 mars 2016

Painkillers, hot water bottles – and a day off work: the benefits of a period policy

The Bristol company allowing female staff time off for painful periods is leading the way in the UK, but the principle is already established in other parts of the world

You have popped the painkillers, have a hot water bottle tucked under your jumper, but you still feel lousy. Do you take the day off? For women lucky enough to work in Bristol company Coexist, the management has formalised the answer: hell, yes. The company, which employs 24 women in its 31-strong workforce, has said that women will be allowed to take time off when they are in pain. Instead of taking the days off as sick leave, the company’s period policy asks female employees to make up the time later.

The organisation’s director, Bex Baxter, says, the policy “allows women to take time for their body’s natural cycle.” If this sounds slightly new age-y, consultant gynaecologist Gedis Grudzinskas thinks the company is being extremely sensible. The infertility expert and former emeritus professor has previously suggested that women who feel “lousy” during their periods should be allowed to stay at home. Now he says: “I am pleased the matter is being discussed and there has been some action. All workplaces should be accommodating when we are not feeling our best. There are gynaecological conditions – such as endometriosis – that are triggered by menstruation. That’s a disease which is a sick leave matter, but then there is menstruation itself, which leaves many women unsettled by symptoms. I can’t imagine how grateful I would be to have a day off when I was feeling off.”