The Workplace and Periods
Shaping Inclusive Workplaces for Menstruating Employees
Why This Report Matters
Menstruation is a natural biological process that affects a significant portion of the workforce, yet it remains a topic rarely addressed in organizational policies. The “MahilaBol Leaves” report, based on a comprehensive survey conducted between January and April 2025, brings to light the lived experiences, challenges, and expectations of working professionals regarding menstrual health and workplace support in India.
Despite half the population experiencing menstruation, most workplaces lack formal policies or facilities to address related needs. This report aims to bridge that gap by amplifying employee voices and providing actionable insights for organizations seeking to foster a more inclusive, comfortable, and understanding environment.
Survey Overview & Demographics
- Respondents: 245 working professionals from diverse sectors including corporate, education, and healthcare.
- Format: Anonymous online survey.
- Age Groups: Broad representation, with the majority aged 31–45.
- Gender: 74% female, 26% male—ensuring the findings reflect those most affected by menstruation-related challenges.
Key Insights
- Comfort & Stigma: Many respondents feel uncomfortable discussing menstruation-related leave at work, often due to fear of judgment or lack of understanding from male colleagues. This highlights the persistent stigma and the urgent need for sensitization programs and leadership involvement.
- Impact on Work Performance: Most participants admitted that menstruation affects their work, citing physical discomfort (cramps, fatigue), reduced focus, and emotional fluctuations. These symptoms can significantly impact productivity, especially in high-pressure or physically demanding roles.
- Workplace Challenges: Top concerns include inadequate restroom facilities, lack of sanitary products, no designated rest areas, and pressure to perform without acknowledgment of discomfort. These gaps in infrastructure and awareness undermine employee dignity and well-being.
- Policy Gaps: 92% of respondents reported that their organizations do not provide menstruation-related leave or benefits. The absence of supportive policies leads to increased absenteeism, reduced morale, and a sense of neglect among female employees.
What Employees Want
The survey reveals overwhelming support for menstrual leave and related benefits:
- 77.5% favor additional menstrual leave.
- Strong consensus for extending benefits to office-based, hybrid, and remote workers.
- Employees also seek flexible work options, access to sanitary products, and designated rest areas.
Recommendations for Employers
- Improve Infrastructure: Ensure clean, well-stocked restrooms with sanitary products.
- Designate Rest Areas: Provide quiet spaces for rest during periods of discomfort.
- Introduce Menstrual Leave: Offer paid menstrual leave or flexible arrangements (work-from-home, flexi-hours).
- Foster Open Dialogue: Promote awareness programs to destigmatize menstruation.
- Train Managers: Sensitize leadership to recognize and accommodate menstrual health needs empathetically.
Why Download the Full Report?
The “MahilaBol Leaves” report is more than just a survey—it’s a call to action for organizations to recognize menstruation as a universal health concern and to implement policies that support the diverse realities of today’s workforce. By downloading the full report, you’ll gain:
- Detailed survey data and analysis
- Real employee voices and experiences
- Practical steps for policy design and implementation
- Insights to help your organization lead the way in workplace inclusivity
Join the movement for change. Download the full MahilaBol Leaves report and take the first step toward a more supportive, productive, and equitable workplace.