"Menstrual leave adopted by more Australian businesses as debate grows around policy", 24 June 2021

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[...] Future Super — is one of the first businesses in Australia to introduce a paid menstrual leave policy.

Employees at the retail superannuation fund can take up to six days of menstrual and menopause leave per year, separate from personal or sick leave.

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"One of the reasons why companies are engaging with this policy space is because they argue that menstruation is not an illness and that workers should not have to be penalised by having to deplete their sick leave," says Sydney Colussi, research associate from the University of Sydney.

Researchers also found that younger workers tended to be more positive about the potential for menstrual leave to be a workplace gender equality measure.

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But while advocates believe such policies can help destigmatise menstruation, the issue is polarising.

Among critics' concerns are that menstrual leave may act as a disincentive to women's employment.

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[A]pparel brand Modibodi became the latest Australian business to implement paid menstrual and menopause leave.

Under the policy, employees are entitled to an additional 10 days paid personal leave per year for menstruation, menopause or in the event of a miscarriage.

"Having a specific policy helps break down stigma and taboos so people don't need to lie or feel awkward taking days off when they're suffering," Modibodi CEO Kristy Chong says.

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