In today's corporate scene, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren't just fancy terms—they're essential for a company's longterm success. But while we've made progress in recognizing different aspects of diversity, one thing often gets overlooked: the menstrual cycle. With Spain making waves by allowing women to take time off during their periods, it got me thinking:
Are we actually ready to talk openly about periods and create a workplace where women can adjust their workload based on how they're feeling hormonally?
Pondering this question ultimately leads to the more uncomfortable following one:
Can a workplace claim to be truly inclusive if it disregards the menstrual cycle? This question is not merely rhetorical but highlights the necessity for a nuanced appreciation of gender-specific needs in the workforce.
The Menstrual Cycle: An Essential Factor
The menstrual cycle is a biological reality for many women, affecting their physical health, cognitive functions, emotional state, and productivity. To overlook this factor is to dismiss the distinct requirements of a considerable segment of employees. As is to perpetuate the misconception that the menstrual cycle only entails negative effects, such as pain or moodiness. In reality, there are times during the cycle when women can harness their hormonal power to excel in various aspects of their work. By acknowledging and accommodating these natural fluctuations, organizations can unlock the full potential of their female employees and create a more inclusive and empowering workplace environment.
Benefits of Accommodating the Menstrual Cycle
Research indicates that recognizing the menstrual cycle can bring substantial advantages to both staff and management. Here are some key findings:
Boosted Productivity: Evidence suggests that cognitive performance in women varies across the menstrual cycle. Aligning work assignments with these variations can enhance productivity. For example, scheduling demanding tasks during periods of heightened cognitive ability can improve output quality.
Elevated Well-being and Morale: When a company acknowledges the menstrual cycle, it creates an environment of support, making women feel respected and heard. This leads to improved job satisfaction, morale, and overall well-being.
Decreased Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Flexibility around the menstrual cycle can reduce absences due to menstrual discomfort. It also addresses presenteeism, where employees are present but not fully productive, by accommodating women’s needs during more challenging times of their cycle.
Enhanced Talent Acquisition and Retention: Inclusivity initiatives that consider the menstrual cycle can attract and keep top female talent. Such policies distinguish a company in a competitive job market, showcasing a commitment to women’s workplace support.
Real-World Success Stories
Several progressive companies have integrated the menstrual cycle into their DEI strategies:
Nike: This sportswear leader offers paid menstrual leave, reflecting its dedication to women’s health and acknowledging the cycle’s impact on performance.
Zomato: The Indian food delivery service introduced “period leave,” aiming to destigmatize menstruation and support female staff.
Buffer: This tech company encourages flexible schedules, allowing staff to align their work with personal energy cycles, including menstrual-related fluctuations.
How I would go about it
Developing an inclusivity strategy centered on female health and menstrual cycles requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach especially due to the taboos surrounding said topic. Not everyone wishes to discuss their private matters with their employers, which is luckily not necessary. Here's how such a strategy could look, along with the initial steps I suggest to take:
1. Education and Awareness:
Start by raising awareness among your leaders about the significance of the menstrual cycle and its impact on women's health and productivity. Conduct training sessions or workshops to debunk myths, challenge stereotypes, and foster a culture of understanding and empathy. A woman's cycle is still a private matter which is why it's important to train your leaders to gain understanding of the matter while also learning to handle this topic delicately. Also keep in mind, not every woman has a cycle and not everyone who doesn't "look" like a woman on the outside doesn't have a cycle :)
2. Flexible Work Policies:
Implement flexible work policies that allow women to adjust their schedules or work remotely during times when they may experience discomfort or reduced energy levels due to their menstrual cycle. Offer options for flexible start and end times, compressed workweeks, or the ability to work from home as needed. Also, if you grant women the flexibility to work remotely or adjust their schedules you might as well offer that same benefits to everyone in your company.
3. Period Leave:
Consider offering paid period leave as part of your company's benefits package. This provides women with dedicated time off to manage their menstrual symptoms without sacrificing their pay or using up other forms of leave.
4. Wellness Support:
Provide resources and support for women to manage their menstrual health effectively. This could include access to menstrual products in the workplace, wellness programs focused on nutrition and stress management, and partnerships with healthcare providers for education and support.
5. Open Communication Channels:
Create a culture where women feel comfortable discussing their menstrual health and related needs openly and without fear of judgment or stigma. Encourage managers and colleagues to be supportive and accommodating, and establish confidential channels for women to raise concerns or request accommodations.
6. Feedback and Adaptation:
Continuously gather feedback from female employees about their experiences with the inclusivity strategy and make adjustments as needed. Regularly review policies and practices to ensure they remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of the workforce.
7. Role Modeling:
Secure buy-in from senior leadership and ensure they actively promote and support the inclusivity strategy. Leaders should lead by example by openly acknowledging the importance of female health and advocating for a workplace culture that prioritizes inclusivity and well-being for all employees.
By taking these initial steps and developing a comprehensive inclusivity strategy around female health and menstrual cycles, organizations can create a more supportive, equitable, and productive work environment for all employees.
While there's still a lot of hush-hush around women's health and periods, and women everywhere face discrimination tied to their cycles, most of them keep quiet about their needs. As leaders and HR professionals, it's on us to create a space where women can work in sync with their bodies' rhythms. It's not just about giving folks more leeway; it's about trusting them to handle their challenges and energy levels smartly.
This isn't some fancy freedom talk; it's about bosses reaping big rewards. Embracing flexibility around periods can be a game-changer for companies. It flips the script on how we measure productivity—away from just showing up or fitting in—and highlights the importance of whole-person well-being in driving success.