Giving women time off for periods

23-03-2016 04:23PM

py2006 wrote: »

Wow sorry to hear that. Never realised they got that bad.

It's not all the time, maybe once or twice a year. Still, could live without it!

galljga1 · 23-03-2016 04:24PM

Yeah, this would end up being another reason not to employ women but anyone thinking in this manner probably has their mind made up on that particular topic.

intheclouds · 23-03-2016 04:28PM

Candie wrote: »

I've fainted with the pain of periods, been left blind in one eye from menstrual migraines, been barely able to walk with cramps if I don't get the medicine into me in time.

Yeah, me too.

Actually I might add to that list if I may, it has triggered IBS in me such that I have had diarrhoea for the entire length of the period but then afterwards the IBS bout doesnt settle for another couple of weeks so I used to get one week off a month where I didnt have a bad stomach.

23-03-2016 04:28PM

ceadaoin. wrote: »

It's not giving women time off, just allowing them to be more flexible with when they work. They still have to make up the time they didn't work so will still work the same amount of hours in a month.

Most women probably won't have to use it but at least those that do have the option.

I'd love that. I'd probably avail of that most months. I've no problem making up for lost time and I'd be more productive with the time.

The exhaustion factor doesn't make concentration easy at times, to be able to do your work when that's passed would make all the difference.

ScumLord · 23-03-2016 04:44PM

Ice Maiden wrote: »

Pretty much the general consensus.

General consensus! On boards? I'm going out to watch the flying pig show.

Thoie · 23-03-2016 04:47PM

keeponhurling wrote: »

I'm thinking some sort of a regular update could be provided , like a newsletter.
It could be circulated to all employees, so they are aware of their colleagues' availability.

Like when we were tweeting Enda Kenny about our periods, but with unlimited characters? "Day 26 - it's on its way boys, and I think it's going to be a gusher". Or a more generic one for all employees? "Mary's expecting hers on the 15th, but after a night at Coppers earlier in the month is a little uncertain and is praying that it arrives. Meanwhile, Jenny has reported early signs of bloating, so may need to move her dates a few days earlier. In other news, Peter's twisted testicle is still causing him problems, and since he won't see a doctor, please excuse the fidgeting for now."

maudgonner wrote: »

Also badges to indicate fertility status and what point in the cycle you're at. Like a countdown clock.

Smart badges could have a remote RFID sensor "inserted", and when you'd swipe into the office, a light would come on over the door to help signal.

Candie wrote: »

Tampon inspectors, now there's a niche job title.

Insurance companies will rush to put that on their list, right next to "chicken sexer". Meanwhile "program manager" will still be excluded. Would you recommend separate inspectors for each type of sanitary item, or could they get training in inspecting multiple different types?

As others have said, if someone has a chronic condition that means they might exceed their "normal" sick day allowance, it would be good if a doctor's letter and a discussion with the company could take place, but this wouldn't just be for periods, but for any chronic condition. If you have "normal" periods, the likelihood of needing time off is remote.

Pinch Flat · 23-03-2016 05:14PM

Any news on man flu? Surely a serious illness like that requires at least a week off per month

diomed · 23-03-2016 05:37PM

Good idea imo (male retired). If you don't feel good take time off.

I my last job they had a Stasi system where they totted up every bit of time you missed (sick, certified or uncertified), lates.
They never took account of the piles of unpaid overtime done.
The atmosphere between management and staff was not best mates X 100.

If people start taking advantage of a benefit then review it or them.

Electric Sex Pants · 23-03-2016 05:47PM

Are the men in the office going to all get pay rises because of the extra work that they will have to take on to cover women on period leave??
The whole idea is just ridiculous. This will just make employers even less likely to hire women. Also how are women going to demand respect as equals in the work place who are perfectly capable of doing their jobs just as well as their male colleagues, where this suggestion completely undermines that. There is already sick leave in place so if they are too sick to work then call in sick.

Also if i was an employer why would I hire/promote someone who can take a couple of days a month off each month and there is nothing I can do about it? I wouldnt.

ceadaoin. · 23-03-2016 06:06PM

Electric Sex Pants wrote: »

Are the men in the office going to all get pay rises because of the extra work that they will have to take on to cover women on period leave??
The whole idea is just ridiculous. This will just make employers even less likely to hire women. Also how are women going to demand respect as equals in the work place who are perfectly capable of doing their jobs just as well as their male colleagues, where this suggestion completely undermines that. There is already sick leave in place so if they are too sick to work then call in sick.

Also if i was an employer why would I hire/promote someone who can take a couple of days a month off each month and there is nothing I can do about it? I wouldnt.

The men won't have to do extra work to cover, the women will make up the time they take off, if they take any at all. It's not compulsory.

Muir · 23-03-2016 06:19PM

I think the woman who was talking about bringing it in in the UK meant it more like a flexitime type of thing, because women might be less productive in the work place during their periods and more productive afterwards when making up the time. Not sure if there are many studies investigating menstruation and productivity but most women experience pain to some degree, you get an elevated body temperature (which can make it difficult to sleep meaning you're more tired), can need to use the bathroom more etc. so being flexible around it & allowing the time to be made up later could just be good business sense. I wouldn't be for just giving women extra days off because I do think that would have a negative impact but I think the flexitime idea could be beneficial both for women and the workplace.

The Raptor · 23-03-2016 06:19PM

I don't want people knowing when I'm on my period.

Speedwell · 23-03-2016 06:20PM

Menopause has its own set of... things that make life interesting.

Ice Maiden · 23-03-2016 06:26PM

Electric Sex Pants wrote: »

Are the men in the office going to all get pay rises because of the extra work that they will have to take on to cover women on period leave??
The whole idea is just ridiculous. This will just make employers even less likely to hire women. Also how are women going to demand respect as equals in the work place who are perfectly capable of doing their jobs just as well as their male colleagues, where this suggestion completely undermines that. There is already sick leave in place so if they are too sick to work then call in sick.

Also if i was an employer why would I hire/promote someone who can take a couple of days a month off each month and there is nothing I can do about it? I wouldnt.

Thankfully it hasn't been confirmed to be happening at least.

Menas · 23-03-2016 06:27PM

Could men get time off to recover from their wives PMT?

LETHAL LADY · 23-03-2016 06:35PM

What about school girls? I started mine in 6th class and hated having to do compulsory PE during my period. The PE teachers all had the mantra that exercise would make you feel better. It bloody well didn't and at least, well depending on your type of job, when you're working there is nobody forcing you to do a leap over a gymnast horse or the like.

Samaris · 23-03-2016 07:10PM

*groans*

No. Just no. Whoever is thinking about this, I swear, they better be a troll. And someone better give them a kick in whatever bit will hurt most.

HamsterFace · 23-03-2016 07:10PM

The Raptor wrote: »

I don't want people knowing when I'm on my period.

But you're a man

Mint Aero · 23-03-2016 07:12PM

I worked in a job few years back with mostly women. Had to leave in the end as the emotional outbursts weren't worth staying for. If you're a man working with women it would be a good idea to leave them at home monthly instead of bringing baggage like that into the work place. I'd be all in favour of this.

maudgonner · 23-03-2016 07:15PM

Mint Aero wrote: »

I worked in a job few years back with mostly women. Had to leave in the end as the emotional outbursts weren't worth staying for. If you're a man working with women it would be a good idea to leave them at home monthly instead of bringing baggage like that into the work place. I'd be all in favour of this.

Oh you delicate flower! The trauma you have suffered!

The Raptor · 23-03-2016 07:16PM

HamsterFace wrote: »

But you're a man

No I'm not

Fr_Dougal · 23-03-2016 07:16PM

Great idea. Should cut down on the number of bear attacks.

Samaris · 23-03-2016 07:19PM

Mint Aero wrote: »

I worked in a job few years back with mostly women. Had to leave in the end as the emotional outbursts weren't worth staying for. If you're a man working with women it would be a good idea to leave them at home monthly instead of bringing baggage like that into the work place. I'd be all in favour of this.

Speaking of emotional...

AtomicHorror · 23-03-2016 07:32PM

Mint Aero wrote: »

I worked in a job few years back with mostly women. Had to leave in the end as the emotional outbursts weren't worth staying for. If you're a man working with women it would be a good idea to leave them at home monthly instead of bringing baggage like that into the work place. I'd be all in favour of this.

I've worked with mostly women for nigh-on 10 years, so your incredible wussiness makes me feel quite tough and accomplished now.

Thanks!

eviltwin · 23-03-2016 07:37PM

Anyone unwell should be able to take time off. However if a woman's menstrual cycle is causing her to take time off regularly she should be getting medical intervention.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 23-03-2016 07:40PM

It'll make people not hire women?
Incase people are unclear, they're not discussing women being given periods. They're discussing women being allowed not come to work if their period is bad enough.
Plenty of women need to already take sick days because of their period.
Some women already use their period as an excuse to go home early/not come in. I mean practically every young one in secondary school gym will have bad cramps twice a week the entire year when it comes to PE.
Plenty of women won't need to use days off for periods.

This isn't anything new, it's just more of a recognised reason to be not able to come to work. I can't see why it would be a reason to discriminate against women. By that reasoning, maybe men who play rugby shouldn't be hired because of their heightened risk of being injured

AtomicHorror · 23-03-2016 07:44PM

LexieOnRale wrote: »

It'll make people not hire women?
Incase people are unclear, they're not discussing women being given periods. They're discussing women being allowed not come to work if their period is bad enough.
Plenty of women need to already take sick days because of their period.
Some women already use their period as an excuse to go home early/not come in. I mean practically every young one in secondary school gym will have bad cramps twice a week the entire year when it comes to PE.
Plenty of women won't need to use days off for periods.

This isn't anything new, it's just more of a recognised reason to be not able to come to work. I can't see why it would be a reason to discriminate against women. By that reasoning, maybe men who play rugby shouldn't be hired because of their heightened risk of being injured

Thing is, employers don't need to know why a person is taking sick leave (most of the time) and they shouldn't be asking. We don't need to make period symptoms a "legit" reason for sick leave- no specific reason needs to be given.

What we maybe need to consider is additional sick days for people with a tendency to need them. That might include women, and people with some chronic illnesses. Rugby players choose to play, no extra days!

Ice Maiden · 23-03-2016 07:46PM

LexieOnRale wrote: »

It'll make people not hire women?
Incase people are unclear, they're not discussing women being given periods. They're discussing women being allowed not come to work if their period is bad enough.
Plenty of women need to already take sick days because of their period.
Some women already use their period as an excuse to go home early/not come in. I mean practically every young one in secondary school gym will have bad cramps twice a week the entire year when it comes to PE.
Plenty of women won't need to use days off for periods.

This isn't anything new, it's just more of a recognised reason to be not able to come to work. I can't see why it would be a reason to discriminate against women. By that reasoning, maybe men who play rugby shouldn't be hired because of their heightened risk of being injured

Isn't the topic at hand whether women should automatically get menstrual leave, whether painful periods or not? I don't think anyone said women who are in agony with period pain and sickness should not take sick leave.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 23-03-2016 07:49PM

I was of the understanding that women could use these days if they were needed.
Just like I have X amount of sick days. Last year I took a grand total of 0 sick days. Having them doesn't mean you'll use them.

Mars Bar · 23-03-2016 07:49PM

py2006 wrote: »

Wow sorry to hear that. Never realised they got that bad.

My best friend passed out in the bathroom due to the pain last weekend. She has a fracture in her head and her ear glued at the moment! It was a particular worry as she has already had brain surgery before. Thankfully all will be find this time!

Giving women time off for periods

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