# Period Pain Policies This British Company Allows Female Employees to Take Menstrual Leave By Alyson Wyers | Published 2016-03-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/menstrual-leave References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2016/03/02/period-leave-coexist/) & [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/12179486/Company-becomes-first-in-UK-to-introduce-period-policy.html) Coexist is the first firm in the United Kingdom to offer menstrual leave to female staff members. Based in Bristol, the community interest company has predominantly women workers -- only seven of 24 are men -- and want to "tap into its employees' natural cycle to create a happier and healthier working environment." [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/awake-ny-x-air-jordan-6) also established a similar practice in 2007. Despite [crippling cramps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloody-delicious-chocolate) and unbelievable pain, many women feel too ashamed to request time off and attempt to continue working. The period policy is supposed to increase productivity and instil a healthier work-life balance. The idea is giving woman time off or menstrual leave will enable them to work more flexibly and efficiently during that time of the month. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Menstrual Leave:** Offering menstrual leave to female employees as a way to increase productivity, create a healthier work-life balance, and tap into natural cycles. - **Workplace Flexibility:** Encouraging a more flexible work schedule to work more efficiently during menstrual cycles and create a happier work environment. - **Addressing Taboos:** Taking steps to address the stigma of menstrual cycles and related health issues in the workplace. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Human Resources:** HR departments can lead the way in implementing menstrual leave policies and workplace flexibility options. - **Healthcare:** Doctors and healthcare providers can encourage companies to address menstrual health openly and honestly in the workplace. - **Feminine Hygiene:** Feminine hygiene companies can offer support and education about menstrual health in the workplace, as well as develop products to make menstruation less disruptive to work. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Period-Friendly Fitness Policies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workout-cancellation-fees.md) - [Period Poverty Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/period-promise.md) - [Nighttime Menstruation Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/periodsomnia.md) - [Period Product-Finding Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-apps.md) - [Menstrual Product Delivery Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zapp.md) - [Eco-Conscious Menstrual Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natracare.md) - [Free Menstrual Product Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/period-products-act.md) - [Menstrual Product-Celebrating Jeans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u-by-kotex-maximalism-jeans.md) - [Supportive Menstruation Herbal Blends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cycle-care1.md)