Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Our Story
    • Partner with us
    • Reach Us
    • Career
    Subscribe Newsletter
    HR KathaHR Katha
    • Exclusive
      • Exclusive Features
      • Research
      • Point Of View
      • Case In Point
      • Dialogue
      • Movement
      • Profile
      • Beyond Work
      • Rising Star
      • By Invitation
    • News
      • Global HR News
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Diversity
      • Events
      • Gen Y
      • Hiring & Firing
      • HR & Labour Laws
      • Learning & Development
      • Merger & Acquisition
      • Performance Management & Productivity
      • Talent Management
      • Tools & Technology
      • Work-Life Balance
    • Special
      • Cover Story
      • Editorial
      • HR Forecast 2024
      • HR Forecast 2023
      • HR Forecast 2022
      • HR Forecast 2021
      • HR Forecast 2020
      • HR Forecast 2019
      • New Age Learning
      • Coaching and Training
      • Learn-Engage-Transform
    • Magazine
    • Reports
      • Whitepaper
        • HR Forecast 2024 e-mag
        • Future-proofing Manufacturing Through Digital Transformation
        • Employee Healthcare & Wellness Benefits: A Guide for Indian MSMEs
        • Build a Future Ready Organisation For The Road Ahead
        • Employee Experience Strategy
        • HRKatha 2019 Forecast
        • Decoding and Driving Employee Engagement
        • One Platform, Infinite Possibilities
      • Survey Reports
        • Happiness at Work
        • Upskilling for Jobs of the Future
        • The Labour Code 2020
    • Conferences
      • Rising Star Leadership Awards
      • HRKatha Futurecast
      • Automation.NXT
      • The Great HR Debate
    • HR Jobs
    WhatsApp LinkedIn X (Twitter) Facebook Instagram
    HR KathaHR Katha
    Home»Practice»Why first day of period leave may not really be a pro-women move
    Practice

    Why first day of period leave may not really be a pro-women move

    mmBy Prajjal Saha | HRKathaSeptember 5, 20175 Mins Read2421 Views
    Share LinkedIn Twitter Facebook
    Share
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

    When sanitary napkin advertisements showcase women as unstoppable and empowered to do what they may, even during that time of the month, the first day of period leave may not really make much sense.

    Flexi-timings, remote working policies and a host of other enablers now allow a level playing field to men and women in the professional arena. Yet, undeniably, the fairer sex needs some additional flexibilities to juggle their personal and professional lives. The biological differences are to blame for the maternity benefits women receive, while men are only allowed a week or two of paternity leave. However, sometimes, even the most thoughtful acts backed by good intention, may cause a reverse effect.

    For instance, when the new Maternity Benefits Act came into being, some organisations struggled to implement it due to business and cost concerns. Smaller firms, especially, had a tough time. Consequently, the unfortunate practice of asking women candidates uncomfortable questions about marriage and family plans increased. Organisations increasingly began viewing women talent as more of a cost and liability than as a long-term investment in real talent.

    With that, when recently a few organisations introduced a ‘first day of period leave’, most women rejoiced and it seemed to be a great gender-sensitive move. However, this also led to debates, and experts believe it can do more harm than good to women in the workplace.

    Ironically, while the sanitary napkin advertisements showcase women as unstoppable and empowered to do what they may, even during that time of the month, this first day of period leave may not make much sense. When women can play tennis, ride bikes, fly planes and go trekking while on their periods, why can’t they work in a cosy office or in the comfort of their homes if a flexi-policy allows that. Why take a leave?

    Vasudha Nandal –VP, human capital management, Sulekha.com, does not agree with the idea of having a first day of period leave. She believes that it may go against women, creating another glass ceiling for them. “Most women are already asked personal questions during hiring—questions about their plans to get married or have children and so on—hampering their growth. Why should women have to share such personal details with the employer and why should the whole team or employer get to know about something as intimate as a women’s monthly cycle?” 

    Vasudha Nandal

    On the other hand, Mangesh Bhide, technology HR-head, Reliance Jio Infocomm argues that if women are not different, then what is the need for the extended maternity benefits as well? It is good to acknowledge the challenges women specifically have to go through, but a periods’ leave implies that we still try to govern people as if they are bonded labour. “In times of flexi-work policies, if we still need a leave for this, then it is a matter for concern,” he says.

    What women really need for an organic growth in the workplace is a level-playing field and a little extra understanding. Nandal says that the regular 10–12 days of sick leave most organisations offer should suffice. However, she further suggests that effective flexi-work policies and a few extra sick leaves can help women sail through these difficult times, if any.

    Bhide is also of the view that with strong flexi-time and work from home policies, there is no need for a period leave. Instead, women should be allowed to work from home without any questions asked, whenever they need it.

     

     

    Vasudha Nandal                                                                                                                            Mangesh Bhide

    “Those who want to misuse such policies or flexibilities will anyway do that, but that will only reflect in their performance, sooner or later. However, women should be allowed these flexibilities without much hue and cry raised, and they certainly will be more productive then,”

    Mangesh Bhide

    Having said that, there are various other reasons why the periods’ leave may not make much sense. Every woman is different and the intensity or frequency of the monthly cycle one experiences also varies. Not everyone may have an uncomfortable period or really need to take time off, each month. “And what about women who suffer from menorrhagia or polymenorrhea (longer and heavier periods which may last for even 20 days) and those nearing menopause with scarce periods,” both Nandal and Bhide argue.

    Equality is reality in the current times and what workers of the day — be it men or women —need, is to be treated as equals and be given a fair chance to work and grow together. While empowerment and flexibility needs for women are much talked about in the workplace, even modern men need flexibility or time off for family. They also willingly shoulder childcare and household responsibilities, as their working spouse shoulders financial and other burdens, mostly perceived as a man’s duty.

    By introducing a periods’ leave, organisations may just be creating more trouble for women in the longer run. Let the women be! Organisations should rather focus on strengthening their flexi-work policies to suit both genders, as and when they need to take advantage of the same.

    Share. LinkedIn Twitter Facebook
    mm
    Prajjal Saha | HRKatha

    Dr. Prajjal Saha, editor and publisher of HRKatha since 2015, leverages over 25 years of experience in business journalism, writing, and editing. He founded HRKatha to provide insightful analysis on the evolving workplace. With expertise spanning HR, marketing, distribution, and technology, Saha has a deep understanding of business dynamics. His authorship of the acclaimed Marketing White Book highlights his versatility beyond HR. A trusted voice across industries, his clear and thoughtful commentary has earned him a reputation for thought leadership, making him a reliable source of knowledge and insights for professionals navigating the complexities of the business world.

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    19 − one =

    Related Posts

    Why cement company Nuvoco is going for digitalisation

    November 28, 2022

    Practising inclusive interviewing, the first step towards building a diverse workforce

    October 18, 2022

    Hilton drives a flexibility mindset through ‘It’s Okay’ campaign

    October 17, 2022

    Infosys warns employees against moonlighting

    September 14, 2022

    QUICK HR INSIGHTS

    EDITOR'S PICKS

    How a thumbs-up became a generational minefield

    July 11, 2025

    Why HR must unite hiring and development to survive

    July 10, 2025

    The 5-to-9 Trap: Is Gen Z’s quest for perfect evenings fuelling a new burnout?

    July 9, 2025

    How AI is creating a workforce of the mentally walking dead

    July 8, 2025
    Latest Post

    Telstra to cut 550 jobs in latest phase of overhaul

    News July 11, 2025

    Telstra, the Australian telecommunications provider, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 550 employees…

    Internal criticism hits Meta’s AI division amid growing discontent

    News July 11, 2025

    Meta’s artificial intelligence ( AI) division is facing fresh internal criticism as concerns about its…

    NASA to lose over 2,000 senior employees amid budget restructuring

    Global HR News July 11, 2025

    In a significant shake-up at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), over 2,100…

    Boss allegedly targets employee for using ‘open to work’ tag on LinkedIn

    News July 11, 2025

    A workplace incident has sparked conversation on Reddit after an Indian employee claimed they were…

    Asia's No.1 HR Platform

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram LinkedIn WhatsApp Bluesky
    • Our Story
    • Partner with us
    • Career
    • Reach Us
    • Exclusive Features
    • Cover Story
    • Editorial
    • Dive into the Future of Work: Download HRForecast 2024 Now!
    © 2025 HRKatha.com
    • Disclaimer
    • Refunds & Cancellation Policy
    • Terms of Service

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.