Free Rant Friday (Period Leave)

There is a new idea that some companies are considering called "Paid Period Leave." Meaning women would get paid time off one week out of the month while they are on their period. Some companies think this would increase productivity and help women.

Personally, I think this idea is ridiculous. Periods suck, but they are a naturally occurring process. Women have to live with this fact one week a month, just as we always have. Taking time off every time we have a period will not make a company better or more productive. It will put women further behind in the fight for equality, especially in the work place. Why hire a women and give her paid time off once a month? That is three months of paid time off a year. Men do not require this time off, meaning they would be the preferred candidate for future jobs (most of the time they already are).

There are other options available. Take medicine, consult with a doctor, go on birth control, etc. Not to sound insensitive, however this would be very detrimental to women in the business world. If you struggle with really bad periods that make you sick, take a sick day. One sick day on the worst day of your period is a lot better than taking 3 months off a year. Companies should be understanding if a women needs to take a sick day because of period issues. This does not mean we should have a "paid period leave."