ON PURPOSE, a creative consultancy specialising in social change communications, has introduced a menopause leave policy in an attempt to address the oft-ignored workplace challenge—menopause.
The policy will allow employees paid leave of up to six days per year, which they can use as needed throughout the year. Employees can seek flexible hours or even opt to work remotely so that they can manage menopause-related symptoms, such as mood swings, sleeplessness, fatigue or weakness.
The company also plans to host educational and awareness sessions to eliminate the stigma that surrounds menopause. This will also encourage a supportive and understanding environment.
Girish Balachandran, founder and managing director, ON PURPOSE, sees the menopause leave policy as “another step towards creating a supportive, stigma-free environment for all employees. Open dialogue and flexibility are at the heart of this policy.” ON PURPOSE wants its employees to know that they’re not alone. Balachandran hopes “to encourage other organisations to follow our lead in addressing these critical and often overlooked issues”.
The menopause leave policy continues ON PURPOSE’s commitment to creating a gender-inclusive workplace, having previously implemented its ‘Period Chutti’ policy and signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). By addressing the unique challenges of menopause, ON PURPOSE seeks to improve the overall well-being and performance of its employees, reaffirming its dedication to inclusivity and support.
Menopause in India begins earlier than in other parts of the world. While the global average is 51, in India people hit menopause at around 46. Inclusive workplaces need to provide support to those experiencing menopause.
