What is menstrual leave?

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What is menstrual leave?
Thanks for asking. All week long, we're looking at 10 new terms and concepts that are certain to be on everyone's lips in 2023
Despite the fact that we're in 2023, there's still a certain squeamishness when it comes to discussions about menstruation, including in the workplace. But that might be about to change in Europe. Due to a measure that was recently approved by the lower house of Spain's parliament, in mid-December 2022, Spanish MPs voted to adopt a new bill creating menstrual leave for women suffering from period pain. That's right, three to five days off work each month when needed, paid by the state. And while it's a first in Europe, such a measure has already existed for decades in other parts of the world. Why would women need time off work during their periods? If you're asking that question, then the chances are you don't menstruate yourself, as almost all people that do are familiar with some of the unpleasant symptoms that come with it. Not to mention the actual bleeding, there can also be PMS and period pain among others. A survey carried out by UK charity Bloody Good Period in 2021 found that 73% of women have struggled to do their work the way they want to at some stage because of their period.
With current UK rules, women unable to work due to painful periods are required to take sick leave. But statutory sick pay only kicks in from a person's fourth day off. So unless their employer has enhanced sick pay or a menstrual leave policy, they wouldn't be getting any pay at all during that time off, leading to a significant loss of earnings. Which other countries in the world have a menstrual leave policy? There are a number in Asia in particular, including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia. But the facts seem to suggest that in those countries, the measure isn't totally effective in its current form. For example, in Taiwan, the maximum allowance is three days per year. Any further time off is without pay. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, menstrual leave is up to two days per month, but requires seeing a doctor to get it signed off, which tends to be quite a put off. In South Korea, just 15% of women take menstrual leave, while in Japan, where menstrual leave has existed since 1947, the figure was just 0.09% in 2016
Why is menstrual leave such a controversial measure? It seems that in countries where it already exists, women often feel uneasy about taking it, partly out of fear of sex-based discrimination. Employers may fear that if such a measure is introduced, it will be seen as a kind of entitlement to be used up even if symptoms are bearable or not present at all. Menstrual health campaigners aren't totally satisfied either. They fear that a blanket measure like the one Spain is considering may normalise period pain and downplay the seriousness of some symptoms. Writing for peoplemanagement.co.uk, PhD researcher Maria Carmen Punzi argued lawmakers should address potential pitfalls before bringing the bill into effect. That would mean better educating both medical professionals and company managers about menstruation, introducing greater flexibility and funding menstrual research. There you have it.
Now you know what menstrual leave is. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.

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