Giving menstrual leave to women could enhance performance at work

Washington:

Advocating the concept of "menstrual leave", expert Gedis Grudzinskas has said giving three paid days off work each month would make them "more happy and comfortable" and be positive for employers.

According to a report in The Sun, critics claimed that doing so would cripple small businesses and employers would choose to hire men. The row came in light after a survey of 1,000 women found 52 percent had suffered cramps so severe it affected their ability to work.

Only 27 percent told their bosses that period pain was responsible, with many choosing to "suffer in silence".
Grudzinskas said, "Some women suffer terribly. I don't think they should be shy about it, and companies should be accommodating. If women feel supported, it will be a happy and productive workforce."

Employment lawyer Fiona Morrison said severe period pains could even be considered a disability. "If someone is in extreme pain and it is stopping them from working effectively, a tribunal could say that this woman is disabled. It is judged on the impact on the woman without treatment or painkillers," she explained.

Adding, "It would always be case specific, so I can't see it opening the floodgates on claims."