Results: Paid menstrual leave takes aim at stigma of periods in the workplace
Published on 10/21/2021
The Kitchener, Ont., maker of the DivaCup menstrual device has adopted a paid period leave policy offering menstruating workers a day off a month. Its decision comes amid a growing focus on employee well-being that emerged during the pandemic, with some workplaces expanding mental health benefits or making hybrid work arrangements permanent. -CTV News
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
"Any person who menstruates can take up to 12 paid days off per year," Diva founder and CEO Carinne Chambers-Saini said in an interview. "There's no doctor's note required. If you are suffering and you need that day, we take your word for it." Do you think all companies should adopt this policy?
Yes, specific days for this reason
26%
780 votes
Yes, but add in extra sick days, not just specific for menstruation
30%
913 votes
No
24%
709 votes
Undecided
20%
598 votes
2.
2.
Rachael Newton, who founded Toronto-based menstrual cup maker Nixit Ltd. in 2018, said it's important to foster a company culture where periods can be discussed as openly as headaches. Do you agree that it should be talked about as openly as headaches? Yes, in both work and social settings
35%
1035 votes
Yes but only in social settings
12%
359 votes
No
27%
805 votes
Undecided
27%
801 votes
3.
3.
Have you ever had to take days off at work due to menstruation symptoms? Yes
21%
639 votes
No but have wanted to but did not/could not
18%
550 votes
No
31%
936 votes
Not Applicable
29%
875 votes
4.
4.
Sarah Kaplan, a professor and director of the Institute for Gender and the Economy at the University of Toronto, said "The risk is that it could serve to further marginalize people who menstruate ... it could reinforce certain gender-based status hierarchies." Because of this, she said it's unlikely menstrual leave would have widespread uptake if more companies adopted it. What do you think? Agree with this statement and we won't see widespread menstrual leave
45%
1351 votes
Disagree with this statement and we will see companies adopt widespread menstrual leave
14%
405 votes
Undecided
41%
1244 votes
COMMENTS