This Company Plans to Increase Production By Giving Women Time Off for "That Time of Month"

Coexist Director, Bex Baxter, and her team

According to a new study, 17 percent of women have missed work, school, or other important events during their periods. One company in the U.K. recognizes how debilitating menstrual cramps can be, so they have initiated a new company policy that gives women paid time off to recover from their menstrual pain.

Paid time off makes sense to this company

"I have managed many female members of staff over the years and I have seen women at work who are bent over double because of the pain caused by their periods," stated Bex Baxter, a director at Coexist, a social enterprise company. Initiating a "Period Policy" makes perfect sense. Her research showed that women have less energy when they are menstruating but have energy that makes them up to three times more productive after their period has completed.

"Good for business"

Recognizing women’s physical, psychological and spiritual well being and working with it, rather than against it, is "good for business," according to Baxter. The company is so positive about the new policy that they are encouraging other companies to do the same. The new policy is not mandatory but a choice that allows women to take time off during their periods if they need to.

The company also feels that their employees are respectful of their company and will not abuse the privilege. As Baxter explains it, "everyone at Coexist respects the company and gives more than 100 per cent to their work, so I don't think we will have an issue with people deceiving us."

What do you think? Is this a good idea? Should U.S. companies also consider creating similar policies for female employees?

Read more at www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/period-leave-company-uk_us_56d8024de4b0ffe6f8e83a46?ir=Women&section=us_women&utm_hp_ref=women