Does Period Pain Warrants You to Take Time off From
Work?
Has
period pain ever made you miss work?
If
that's the case, you're not alone. In a survey of 32,748 Dutch women aged 15 to
45, nearly one in seven (just under 14 per cent) reported they had taken time
from work or school during their period.
This
was a common event for some of the participants, as 3.5 per cent of women said
it happened every, or almost every, menstrual cycle.
The
Debate Around Taking Time Off Work Due To Period Pain.
The
debate over whether or not persons with periods should take time from work for
period cramps or excessive bleeding is still going on.
Some
urge for monthly paid time off for period pain, while others say that this
would just exacerbate the gender pay gap, limit women's career choices, and
promote misogyny.
Bring
your Wash Bag to work with your WUKA Pants.
Benefits
Of Menstrual Leave
People
who menstruate can take time off work to care for themselves during their most
difficult periods without having to spend any of their annual leave.
Period
discomfort makes it difficult to continue working, just as any man or woman
would if they were in agony. Taking time off when experiencing period pain
might be helpful to the organisation.
If
menstrual leave were to be provided, it would help to normalise conversations
about periods and erase some stigmas.
Having
these discussions during work hours helps to raise awareness of the issue and
forces people to examine their options. It also has an effect on other issues
such as period poverty and the tampon tax.
ADDITIONAL
ISSUES
Some
people are concerned that if an employer believes they will take too much time
off work for their periods, they will be less likely to be employed. When
looking for a job, some women may already feel disadvantaged, and prospective
employers may be evaluating whether they will take time off for
pregnancy-related difficulties, followed by maternity leave.
If
menstrual leave is implemented, it may be necessary to assist those who have
discomfort and health issues as a result of pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause,
or irregular periods.
Some
persons with irregular periods may have two bleeds per month or no bleeding for
a few months, adding to their anxiety that their employer will think they are
unreliable when they request time off.
It
could draw attention to discrepancies and embarrass women who do not have
periods for whatever reason. Colleagues can ask, Why don't you take some time
off for your period?
MENSTRUAL
LEAVE IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Women
have been able to take menstruation leave in Japan since 1947. The law is
supposed to have evolved from the belief that women should relax during their
periods in order to avoid problems with their fertility.
Women
in Indonesia are entitled to two days off for menstruation leave, but women in
Taiwan are entitled to three days.
Since
2001, women in South Korea have been allowed to take one unpaid day off every
month. Women will receive additional income if they do not use their one day of
period leave.
Women
in Asia are being offered menstruation leave, but few are taking advantage of
it, according to reports.
· Taking
time off makes women feel bad.
· Colleagues
are under pressure at work.
· Covering
the position is difficult.
· Worry
about what your coworkers and bosses could say
A
Gothenburg-based football app company is expected to become the first in Sweden
to be recognised as menstruation-friendly.
How
To Ask Your Boss You Need Time Off Work For A Period Of Pain
It
can be difficult to tell your supervisor, whether he or she is male or female,
that you require time off due to pain or excessive bleeding. It's unsettling
and humiliating to think about it.
The
good news is that you don't have to explain why you require the time off. You
should be alright as long as they know you're on sick leave and you follow your
company's leave policies.
MANAGING
PERIODS AT WORK
If
you don't want or can't take time off work, but the prospect of sitting at your
desk or standing all day makes you feel worse, then these tips will help you
get through the day...
· Working
from home allows you to stay on top of your workload while also avoiding the
usage of yearly leave.
· Request
a job swap with a coworker.
· Bring
a hot water bottle to work with you; our WUKA bottles are designed to fit
snugly around your waist.
· Keep
pain relievers in your drawer or locker.
· Dress
comfortably.
· Make
sure you've brought enough period goods. You can count on WUKA
Heavy pants to keep you dry for up to 8 hours.
· Try
our medium flow period pants, which include a complete tampon and pad
replacement. They carry about 15ml of menstrual fluid, which is about 2-3
tampons worth.
· Refuel
with healthy snacks and drinks - dark chocolate is a wonderful choice.
· Take
frequent walking breaks.
· Find
a quiet place to do these yoga exercises.
· Exercising
before or after work can help you feel better.
BOTTOM
LINE
There
is a strong argument for and against women with periods having access to
menstruation leave at work.
Menstrual
leave is already in existence in various Asian countries. However, some
menstruating women may be hesitant to take it because of how others may see
them or because they may be a burden to their coworkers.
It
can be difficult to request time off when you know you need to go home and take
care of yourself because of period discomfort, but if you need to, go home and
take care of yourself. Your health comes first.
While
on your period, being prepared can help you get through the day at work. Wear
your WUKA and bring some chocolate with you.