A Period And Pregnancy Friendly Office: Is That Too Much To Ask For, Really?

A few simple women friendly policies at work that take into account our needs during periods and pregnancy can make the workplace a better place for women.

“Is it that time of the month again?”, we sometimes joke when a female friend is crabby. But, it is not really very funny.

It is certainly bloody painful!

For approximately three and a half decades of her life, a woman gets her period once a month for 4 to 7 days. For many women one or two of these days can be spent suffering agonizing cramps in addition to the blood loss. Others may endure milder physical and emotional symptoms collectively called PMS. But few complain openly. Mainly because nobody takes period pains seriously. It is natural, they say. So don’t whine about it.

In the past society has deprived women of participating in various activities during periods. That was wrong. Because whether or not to work or play, during periods, should be the particular woman’s choice. Not all women suffer bad symptoms, so whether to get a little rest during periods, or not, should be an individual woman’s choice.

A period leave policy

Recently the WHO has proposed a period leave policy and many women feel that it might be a danger to gender equality. Some worry that it is a regressive step that shows women to be inferior. Some simply don’t sympathize because their own periods are not disruptive and quite manageable. Some just don’t want people to know when they have periods because of the social taboo attached to them.

Equality or Equity?

Some men deliberately use this issue to undermine gender equality. Their argument is that, the fact that women are weak during periods, implies they are inferior to men. I would like to point out that women undergo this monthly process, so that the species can procreate. The fact that some women bear intense pain month after month, is a testimonial to their strength, and should not be construed as evidence of weakness. After all, men do not have to work with the handicap of monthly cramps, so how is it equal that women should?

In my opinion, women do carry a significantly heavier load in the processes of procreation, so they should not feel ashamed to have society and employers do their bit and show compassion in return. And for those who don’t want it, well, they do not have to avail of it. But why deprive those who really need it?

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How much leave might be necessary?

Period leave does not have to be very generous. In fact whole days off are not even necessary for many. Some say that the worst lasts for just a few hours. Surely women can take a few hours off on their worst period days. Also, not in every month, is the worst period day going to be on a working day. So may be period leave can be limited to 6 days or 48 hours annually. It should be optional, so only those who really need it, can avail of it.

Many women who do suffer intense symptoms, might even be willing to just have flexibility in working hours on those days, instead of the day off. They might be willing to work overtime on other days, to make up for a period day. There are many possibilities but there should be a discussion. It is the flexibility during periods, that the women who suffer, need more than anything, and there should be policies in place to make that flexibility available.

Supplies at hand, too!

A simple but very considerate and helpful step would be to introduce vending machines for tampons and sanitary pads in the ladies bathrooms. It spares women the inconvenience of always having to carry some and further inconvenience if they did forget.

Pregnancy concerns

Another issue that is often overlooked or underestimated is morning sickness. Most women work till they are over 8 months pregnant, but for some morning sickness can be very difficult. Some vomit several times a day, everyday, for several months. Back ache, frequent need to urinate and swelling due to water retention, are other discomforts of pregnancy. Most women bear the discomfort without complaining. But employers and colleagues can be compassionate.

Simple compassionate policies can work wonders

It doesn’t take much, but a few simple gestures go a long way to make a pregnant woman’s life easier. Here are some ideas.

1. Move their desks, cubicles or offices so they have easy bathroom access.
2. As a boss, let them know it is okay to replace the office chair with one they find comfortable.
3. If they are not interacting with customers or clients and are not visible to them, let them know it is okay for them put their feet up on the table for sometime. It helps with swollen feet from water retention.
4. If on some days, there is some flexibility, in which hours they can work without causing disruption, then give them a choice. If some of the work can be done from home, give them that option. I remember my boss did this and I could not have been more grateful.
5. Earmark some parking spaces closer to the office entrance for pregnant women, so that they do not have to walk too far to reach.

None of these things are a big deal to offer, but they make the life of a pregnant woman significantly easier.

Most of these implementations cost little or nothing, but such sensitive and compassionate employers will go a long way to fostering a comfortable environment where women can be their most productive.

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Image source: tired pregnant woman by Shutterstock.

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