Modibodi has launched a policy entitling its employees to paid leave explicitly for menstruation, menopause and miscarriage, in addition to the company’s existing sick leave entitlements.
Modibodi employees will accrue an additional 10 days paid personal leave per year for menstruation, menopause discomfort or in the event of a miscarriage.
These paid leave days are not taken from ‘sick leave’ but are specifically designed to be used by staff experiencing menstrual or menopause symptoms which interfere with their ability to work, or in the event they suffer a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Staff are also allowed to request to work from home if needed during these times.
“We’ve introduced these policies as part of our commitment to talk openly and honestly about periods, to normalise conversations about menstruation and to remove any stigma and shame associated with a normal, natural part of life. To help change those attitudes, we need to start in our own office, and this new policy is one action we can take now to help do that.” States CEO and Founder Kristy Chong
Modibodi’s policy goes further than menstrual leave by incorporating paid leave for those suffering with debilitating symptoms of menopause too.
“We’re giving employees the option to take paid leave days for either menstruation or menopause, or to choose to work from home during days when they’re feeling discomfort. We want our staff to be able to be honest about their experiences of menstruation, menopause and miscarriage by encouraging people to feel comfortable asking for support and understanding when they need it,” said Kristy.
Does your workplace offer a similar leave?
We encourage you to start the conversation with your employer and make it common place practice, to help people feel less alone or ashamed for requesting leave.
