Le pouvoir des périodes : les périodes sur le lieu de travail
Récemment, nous avons mis en lumière les raisons pour lesquelles les règles sont puissantes dans la société , pas seulement dans les pays en développement, mais aussi à notre porte.
De la pauvreté menstruelle à l'absence des filles à l'école en passant par la stigmatisation des règles dans les médias (pouvoir menstruel, pas cool !), nous avons encore un long chemin à parcourir pour parvenir à l'égalité des règles ! C'est pourquoi nous nous intéressons au pouvoir menstruel cette année.
Au cours des prochaines semaines, nous examinerons comment les gens sont affectés par les attitudes envers les règles dans différents domaines de la vie, notamment dans les écoles, les prisons , les sans-abri et au-delà.
Pourquoi parle-t-on des règles au travail ?
... parce que c'est là que beaucoup d'entre nous passent la plupart de leur temps ! Malheureusement, votre cycle menstruel ne s'adapte pas à votre emploi du temps chargé et, selon vos symptômes et votre poste, cela peut représenter des obstacles pour beaucoup d'entre nous. Des obstacles dont nous devons parler.
Les menstruations affectent chaque personne différemment (il n’existe pas deux règles ni deux personnes identiques), mais le problème est qu’elles existent pour la plupart d’entre nous et peuvent parfois nous affecter physiquement et mentalement, au point d’avoir des répercussions sur notre travail. Cela signifie-t-il que les femmes et les personnes qui ont leurs règles sont intrinsèquement désavantagées sur le lieu de travail ? Absolument pas !
Cela signifie que nous devons reconnaître les différences entre celles qui ont des règles et celles qui n’en ont pas et la manière dont nous pouvons au mieux servir les deux dans des espaces de travail heureux, sûrs et axés sur l’égalité.
Par exemple, plus de la moitié d’entre nous ressentons des douleurs pendant un à deux jours par mois, et 20 % d’entre nous les ressentons suffisamment pour gêner nos activités quotidiennes . Les personnes souffrant d’ anémie, de dysménorrhée ou d’endométriose (qui touchent environ 10 % de la population) sont susceptibles d’être encore plus touchées.
Dans une étude de 2011 menée dans 10 pays, on a constaté que les personnes atteintes d’endométriose avaient une performance professionnelle réduite, perdant en moyenne près de 11 heures de travail par semaine.
La précarité menstruelle (et l’impossibilité d’accéder aux produits dont vous avez besoin) et la réticence à signaler les symptômes en raison de la honte affectent également les performances au travail et de nombreuses personnes prennent déjà des congés de maladie payés et non payés en conséquence.
Sharra Vostral, professeure agrégée d’histoire à l’université Purdue et auteure de Under Wraps: A History of Menstrual Hygiene Technology, l’explique ainsi :
« Si les hommes sont considérés comme la norme, on suppose alors qu'ils devraient pouvoir travailler tout le temps. Il y a donc beaucoup de pression, soit pour que les femmes couvrent et cachent leurs règles et continuent à bouger, soit pour qu'elles disent : "Non, les femmes sont spéciales et elles ont besoin de repos et de protection pour pouvoir prendre soin de leur corps et de leurs règles". »
À quoi ça ressemble d'avoir ses règles au travail ?
Nous avons récemment demandé à un groupe de personnes qui ont leurs règles de partager leurs expériences personnelles en matière de menstruations « au travail » au Royaume-Uni et voici ce qu'elles ont partagé :
Périodes en tant que policier
« Je n'aurais même ce niveau dérisoire de communication ouverte sur les règles qu'avec des personnes du même grade que moi - cela ne serait pas considéré comme une conversation appropriée avec des officiers subalternes, qui seraient horrifiés par ce « partage excessif » de la part de leur patron, et je ne le dirais à un officier supérieur que si j'étais en train de mourir devant eux et qu'ils avaient besoin de le savoir !
C'est moins un problème maintenant que les promotions signifient que je ne marche plus autant, que je ne cours pas, que je ne me bats pas, etc. autant qu'avant, mais si je prends un analgésique au travail pendant mes règles et que quelqu'un me demande si je vais bien, s'il n'y avait que des femmes dans la pièce, je pourrais en donner la raison, mais s'il s'agissait d'une compagnie mixte ou uniquement masculine, je pourrais ne rien dire ou tout au plus marmonner « problèmes de femmes » ou « affaires de femmes » ! (Même cela est généralement accueilli avec horreur et un changement rapide de sujet !)
Oh oui, une autre chose... Je suis en civil maintenant, mais quand j'étais en uniforme et que je portais un gilet pare-balles, quand mes règles arrivaient, mes seins devenaient très sensibles et porter le gilet pare-balles/pare-couteaux était une torture.
Inégalités au travail
« Mon ami souffrait de douleurs atroces (il finissait parfois même à l'hôpital) et les hommes plus âgés se moquaient de lui et ne lui permettaient pas de prendre de congés... mais la grippe masculine... c'est un problème sérieux. »
Le bon et le mauvais côté des bureaux gouvernementaux
« J'ai vu des hommes quitter notre rangée de bureaux et aller à la cuisine parce qu'ils étaient physiquement mal à l'aise à cause de la conversation 🙄 J'utilise une coupe menstruelle et je trouve qu'il est plus facile d'utiliser les toilettes pour handicapés car elles sont équipées d'un lavabo, mais je reçois beaucoup de regards moqueurs et de regards noirs quand les gens me voient sortir des toilettes - il y a même des panneaux qui disent "ces installations sont réservées aux personnes handicapées uniquement". Mais pour contrer ces expériences négatives, il y a un étage où ils ont mis en place un point de don volontaire de tampons et d'articles hygiéniques au cas où vous seriez un jour à court de fournitures au travail 😊 »
Collègues hommes vs. collègues femmes
« Nous avons des tampons et des serviettes hygiéniques gratuits au travail... nous avons tellement de chance. Même dans les toilettes unisexes. Nous testons même des versions biologiques/non toxiques.
Heureusement, mon équipe est composée en majorité de femmes, donc nous parlons librement au sein de notre groupe. Les hommes restent simplement silencieux car ils sont en infériorité numérique (que Dieu les bénisse).
J'ai des règles extrêmement abondantes/douloureuses et j'ai tendance à travailler à domicile au moins un jour par mois... mais je ne pouvais pas supporter de dire à mon patron (homme) la véritable raison de ma présence à la maison.
Ce ne sont pas seulement des symptômes physiques
« Je souffre d'un syndrome prémenstruel émotionnel terrible plutôt que de symptômes physiques.
Ce qui me plairait vraiment, c'est d'avoir la possibilité de prendre une journée de télétravail non planifiée par mois en plus d'autres horaires de travail flexibles. Je travaille à temps partiel dans un cadre fixe-flexible, ce qui est généralement bien, mais je pense que cela ferait une différence pour beaucoup de femmes.
De très bonnes conversations dans les professions de la santé
« Sur mon lieu de travail, nous aimons parler de sang, mais seulement quand il provient de zones qui ne saignent généralement pas 😉 Les hommes n'y voient aucun problème, certains posent même des questions à ce sujet. Mais c'est à cause du domaine d'activité dans lequel nous travaillons tous. »
À quoi ressemble l’avenir des règles sur le lieu de travail ?
Historiquement, les règles étaient une raison pour exclure du travail les femmes qui en avaient et, ce qui est peut-être mieux aujourd'hui, nous voyons encore des réponses étranges pour résoudre ce problème. En Norvège, une entreprise a essayé de faire porter à ses employés des bracelets rouges pour montrer qu'ils avaient leurs règles afin de surveiller le nombre de pauses toilettes (quoi de neuf ?!). En Allemagne, la chaîne de supermarchés Lidl a été découverte en train de surveiller en secret les cycles menstruels de son personnel pour tenter de lutter contre... le vol à l'étalage ?
Je ne peux même pas.
Une idée pas si folle que ça, mais qui fait les gros titres ces derniers temps, est l'idée d'un congé maladie payé pour celles qui en ont besoin pendant leurs règles. Cette idée existe au Japon depuis les années 1940 et en Zambie, mais elle fait encore l'objet de débats dans la plupart des autres pays.
Si la plupart des gens s’accordent à dire qu’une personne souffrant d’ un problème physique (y compris les menstruations) devrait pouvoir prendre le temps nécessaire pour prendre soin d’elle, certains craignent que les « congés payés » puissent encore accroître l’écart salarial entre les sexes. Tim Worstall, journaliste financier chez Forbes , affirme que les employeurs considéreront les personnes qui ont leurs règles comme encore plus chères à embaucher et que cela aura un impact négatif sur leur salaire ou leurs chances d’être embauchées.
De plus, le tabou des règles étant toujours d'actualité dans le monde entier, il est peu probable que les femmes se sentent à l'aise pour demander un congé payé en raison de leurs règles. Au Japon, on constate encore que les travailleuses préfèrent prendre un congé maladie régulier plutôt que de le déclarer comme un congé payé , même si ce congé leur est proposé dans ce pays.
Alors, quelle est la réponse ?
Il faut d’abord briser ces tabous et faire parler de cet aspect normal de la vie qui touche tant de personnes.
Deuxièmement, il est primordial que les gens aient accès aux produits et aux installations dont ils ont besoin pour mener à bien leurs activités quotidiennes. Cela signifie qu'il faut veiller à avoir des politiques de salle de bain adaptées aux règles ! Enfin, si vous avez besoin de vous absenter du travail ou de travailler de manière flexible en fonction de vos symptômes physiques, vous devez bien sûr en bénéficier.
Peut-être qu'au lieu de « congés payés », nous devrions faire pression pour obtenir des congés de maladie plus adéquats en général qui puissent nous couvrir, puis c'est à vous de décider ce que vous divulguez ou non à votre employeur.
Quelle que soit votre situation, votre santé et votre bien-être passent avant tout !
Qu'en penses-tu?
Quelle a été votre expérience des menstruations sur votre lieu de travail ? Selon vous, que peuvent faire les employeurs pour améliorer la situation ?
Pensez-vous que le congé payé est une bonne idée ?
35 commentaires
hello this was a great article to read!
I have been recently diagnose with Iron deficiency anemia for about 3 years now. Over the past 3 years it has been very difficult working in the office during my periods. My periods are really heavy and I have major cramps in my back and uterus. Sometimes I can’t make it to the ladies room to change my pad. I have to wear 2 or 3 at a time so I don’t mess up my clothes. Its better for me to work from home or at a place where I know I don’t have to worry about anything. I use to work as a receptionist and sitting down most of my day was not cool. I had to sit a certain way so I wouldn’t stain my clothes. Now what I do is make deliveries and its better where I am free to move around and not worry if I’ve stained my clothes. I can also where a sweater around my waist if I have an accident on my clothes.
Hi Tahneea! We’re so happy to hear this was a helpful post! Please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@lunette.fi if you have any period questions you’d like us to answer. :)
-Team Lunette
I am a Year 12 student studying Society and Culture. In this course we have a majors works which can be on anything we decide. I chose to study the menstrual cycle and it’s impacts on women in everyday environments such as work place, schooling facilities, in general public, and even at home.
This article was a major help for me and I don’t know what I would have done without your help, and personally I want to say thank you for spreading the word about menstrual cycles, and making a safe space for women or anyone who goes through the menstrual cycle to come to.
PS I did reference you site
Hi Katydid! Thanks for sharing your story- we’re so sorry to hear about the terrible period pains you experience! Debilitating period pains are not normal and we recommend consulting a doctor and/or certified nutritionist to diagnose possible disorders like PCOS and endometriosis, and to help manage and relieve your symptoms. Much love!
-Team Lunette
Having always had difficult periods, knowing this, I have limited my career prospects. I could be a teacher or office manager, but, instead I clean houses because it is flexible and easier. I have a week of hell with PMS and at the end of the week I am so sick once my period hits I am bedridden. Not every period….some come and go without issue, but every so often they are BAD.
Hi Emily! We’re so sorry to hear that! We would love to guide you on how to use a Lunette Cup, that way you won’t have to worry about periods in the workplace. 😊 Please don’t hesitate to email us at info@lunette.com and we’re more than happy to help.
-Team Lunette
This is something I always thought about an worried about . I haven’t gotten a job due to being a really nervous person and because I always thought how do I deal with my periods. I always have to be relaxing in my bed in order for me to feel fine. Somewhat. I also always get insomnia when on my period like now. Its 5am now for me an I started yesterday. I really hate periods.
Yesterday, after two whole years I got my period back. This was great news because it was a sign my PCOS did not win! I was prescribed Metformin from my doctors to level up my insulin so it could work properly.
My PCOS affected me in ways I never thought it could. It reversed my growth spurt so after middle school, all I did was shrink. It made me gain SO much weight, very uncontrollably to the point that I am pre-diabetic. I makes my hair growth increase so much that it because overly thick and causes painful ingrown hairs on my crotch.
I have to get laser hair removal on that area and it hurt so back I wailed like a baby when they put the machine on me.
I just turned 19 years old and life is being thrown at me in over speed. The world does not stop moving just for me and my problems. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep and it doesn’t help that I have anxiety and clinical depression.
All of this crying could lead to a weakened immune system, which can cause my body to catch COVID-19. I know I wouldn’t be able to survive it because of my heart problems.
My PCOS has cause me so much pain psychologically, mentally, and physically. And ultimately may lead to my demise.
But it doesn’t matter, I guess all those nights praying that I would die eventually will come true.
Not to mention, I will probably get killed by a bunch of racists before that because I am hated for my skin complexion. Overall, stay strong women, for I cannot, you shall fight in my place.
Hi, R. Venoel! We’re so sorry to hear your suffering from such bad period pains. You’re correct, debilitating period pain is not normal. If you’re able, it could be worthwhile to research doctors in your area who specialize in conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and endometriosis. These are both conditions that are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Paying attention to your diet and researching nutrients that help alleviate inflammations, as well as those that increase inflammation to know what to avoid, can also be beneficial. Wishing you all the best! -Team Lunette
Mine is coming up soon. I don’t know when. Its been very inconsistent in the past few months, ranging from 30 to 54 days. When it starts, there’s no telling how severe the symptoms will be. There will always be pain. It will always be heavy. But the severity of it is unpredictable. It could be bad to the point where I’m delusional and screaming in pain, or mild enough that I only suffer from really bad cramps. I hate this. I started my period when I was 12. I’m 18 now. I have two part time jobs. Both require fast pace working and standing for 5 hours. I’m scared. Really scared. I can’t go to the doctor anymore and besides, last time they said nothing but to take some ibuprofen. That trip to the hospital cost $500 out of pocket. No insurance. The fact that I have to deal with this is absolutely disgusting. I hate it here. I hate that we’re told that all women deal with it and it’s normal.
No. Its not normal. This pain is NOT NORMAL.
I was recently on a job trial, when I had a cramp, my period finished the day before, so I was confused as to why I was cramping (turns out it was dehydration and constipation, YAY!).
The person (male) I was shadowing and whom would be giving a recommendation if I was up to the task, asked if I was having “lady problems”, I beleive if you’re an adult you say things as what they are. So as I was telling him its called menstruation, he then said I would never be able to the job because I have lady problems. I had worked the entier week with no problem while mensturating, but because I was actually sick it got put by a male that I couldn’t do the job because I menstruate therefore had no energy. I’ve done far more physically demanding jobs than this one. And I wasn’t even on my bloody period I was actually sick! And I want to see an apology, no one gets to tell me what im capable of while I menstruate, only my body is aloud to tell me!
Since starting part time work at a supermarket, I have started dreading the days I get my periods. My flow doesn’t start until 3rd or 4th day, but 1st and 2nd days are so uncomfortable with uneasiness and pain. When it starts, it is heavy and makes fast paced walk very difficult. This month was particularly hard because I got a sudden rush to pee and I needed only 10 mins for break time to start and unable to control myself, I ran to the washroom with no explanation and they were young boys and men. I felt so embarrassed. Then I look at other girls who work daily at these places with such ease and it further depresses me and makes me wonder why I am unable to control my pain, my periods and my emotions during this time. The day it starts to go is the best feeling ever. I am full of energy. When it starts to come, I am miserable. It really disturbs my plans, my energy, my focus and my ability to compete at workplace. I feel defeated not by the world, but by periods as I end up slowing down, performing average and taking leaves just because I feel sleepy, tired and need rest. Even more sad is the inability to freely express the condition, the topic spoils the atmosphere. Even women don’t like to talk about it. Makes you wonder if you are an odd one.
Hi Lilian, Thank you for sharing your story! We are so saddened to hear about the pain you have to go through each month. That alone is frustrating enough and you certainly should not have to feel bad about it! We hope there will be relief for your periods pains in the future. <3
-Team Lunette
Chasia-
That is so unfair to give you a guilt trip for taking care of yourself. I’m glad you stayed home. Your quality of life should come before a job, always.
————————
My period causes intense pain and mood swings. I’m on the highest dose of a mood stabler for bipolar disorder that my doctor thought would take away the emotional distress from PMS and PMDD as well. Granted, it did take the edge off, but I still have intense mood swings. I get anxiety that develops into paranoia and agoraphobia (another diagnosis, yay!) and I start self-loathing—something I never do outside of my favorite week of the month. I have a cyst on one of my ovaries that swells and puts pressure on my sciatic nerve to the point that it’s uncomfortable to sit down. The worst case I had happened during a 2-day training event and I had to sit up front so I couldn’t even stand to relieve pressure. I had to shift uncomfortably the entire time which I feel like that couldn’t have been any better than just standing up! Lol.
Now, I’m way more open about my period at work. Women shouldn’t be ashamed of something unfortunately natural like a period and if I’m more open maybe I can help other women at my work kick the period shame. We complain about having headaches at work and leaving work when we have migraines—why should pain from period cramps be any different?
Thanks for reading! <3
I’m really glad to have found this article today. I really struggle with heavy and very painful periods. My periods have become increasingly difficult every year since I turned 21,
5 years ago. Working pt/ freelance meant that I could juggle work with the time I needed off but for the past year I’ve been in a role that is ft, salaried and with no flexitime available. It’s extremely difficult. Every month I need 2, sometimes 3 rest days and when that falls in a week day it is very difficult to know what to do.
Sometimes I cannot stand or walk for the cramps and know there is no way I could concentrate all day on my work, even medicated. Magnesium has helped a lot with pm bloating that was previously so bad that I couldn’t fit into my clothes. Excruciating pain that leaves me howling and curled up is often how my period is for the first two days. Exhausted from the loss of blood and from the pain. I have seen my gp recently as normal pain medication wasn’t doing anything and have a prescription painkiller and also a blood medication. My colleagues certainly don’t understand and my employers make me feel guilty and anxious about not being able to work.
When on, I get ibs symptoms too and need lots of toilet breaks. It’s very stressful and I long for more understanding in the workplace. What I find really depressing is that unless I am my own boss, I struggle to see how I will have enough freedom to deal with my periods and not miss work in the future.
You guys are great!
Hi Chasia,
So sorry to hear about your predicament! That sounds like no fun at all. We hope the rest of the season is merry and bright for you!
Best,
Team Lunette
My periods are very painful to the point where I can’t function. Unfortunately My period happened to start on a Sunday, which is a day I work. I called in and explained that my period is making me feel very unwell to the point where I couldn’t make it in that day. I knew it was a busy time due to Christmas but I just wasn’t feeling well at all with my period. I was told that It was unacceptable due to the busy time, which I completely understood how busy it gets at the shop i work at, she then went on to say that I was letting people down and I should try to make it in even if it was later. Honestly I felt even worse and was completely conflicted into staying at home and resting or forcing myself to go in and be uncomfortable throughout the day. I work as a sales assistant so we are always on our feet, I knew it wouldn’t of been able to cope the whole day while I was on my period so i didn’t go in but I felt awful throughout the day that I’d let people down.
I have had painful periods for the past 10 years. Luckily, I work from home full time on salary and am also able to take a sick day when I need it. I’ve only taken a few sick days this year, but I definitely “phone it in” at times when I have my period and can’t work much. I find that even laying in bed with my laptop, the stress of work makes it hurt a lot more than just watching a movie. I feel like I am in basically the best possible situation a woman can be in, regarding having a schedule to work around my period. And it STILL sucks when it happens early in a week. It still sucks to occasionally have to take a sick day and be vague about why, and worry that someone will ask what’s wrong and I’l have to decide whether or not to lie. I don’t know what the solution here is.
I am young black American and I’ve been discriminated plenty times because of my race, but today I’m sitting unable to sleep, crying because today was the first time, ever I was discriminated because of my sex. The view of Periods and gender discrimination needs to change. I was told today that I need to get a doctors note because my period was too heavy, so when I say it’s an emergency, “I need to use the bathroom” I will be taken serious. I needed to use the bathroom and could not wait. I told my manager I needed to be relieved from my cashier’s duties just for a moment to use the restroom. He asked if I could wait two minutes for the On coming manager. I SAID NO. Since I’ve been use a menstruating cup and my flow was usually heavy I was uneasy at the imagine of me waiting any longer. At my amazement, my manger hung the phone up in my face. Ten minutes later he arrived. I use the restroom and asked to speak to him. I explain my
Situation the best I could without completing reliving my predicament and being unprofessional. To my disbelief , the s*** went right over his head the he started saying as adults we all should be able to hold our pee. I NEVER said I had to pee, I would never say that, I’m an grown women and I said I need the restroom. I started making the hand motions around my uterus suggesting a flowing direction out to the floor. His lack of knowledge caused him to assume females don’t have other business in the restroom!!! I had to make sure my mensural cup wasn’t slipping ! I pray people will understand human decadency one day and will be able to honestly view women as an equal sex. We are beautiful and more deserving than treatment like this. I know right from wrong, I hope others will understand it one day.
I’m at home, on my period. Doing fairly well due to a high dose of pain medication. The past four years I’ve never had a job. I simply cannot maintain one. For the past three years I’ve spent every period hospitalized. Hooked up to IVs just barely making it. I don’t enjoy stereotypes about women. However I also wish people could understand we are different. We do have a “”disadvantage” if that’s how people need to look at it. I shouldn’t have to play pretend everything is okay when I have diarrhea, vomiting, feeling weak & often passing out. It’s not fair. I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t live like this Forever. Jobless. But my body forces me to sit down in rest in a world where everyone is rushing. Sucks!
I am sitting in office totally unfocused, lazy, anxious and depressed .It’s PMS time. 5th July is my date. The cramps are so bad that I end up taking sick leave of 2 days every month. All my holiday leaves are spent on managing periods. I think only a drastic change in life style will help.Also it sucks that we do not have flexi time or work from home option. During the second day especially I go through hell and back and its not helpful to sit among a bunch of men and see them be perfectly fine with their bodies.
This is such a great article and would be beneficial to all women who suffer with severe pain during their menstrual cycle instead of feeling ashamed, misubderstood or sly just because some people at the work place think this is natural and all women should be able to handle this type of problem as weve gone through it all our life. This is the type of mindset colleagues have when you take sick days because you have your period and its somewhat unfair that we get judged by something we cant control.
Ive always had very severe cramps when i have my period and i would get dizzy and constantly would feel like vomitting for thr first few days i also get anemic on those days as my period gets heavy. I used to not take pain killers and continue working throughout the day and sometimes for a 12hour shift and just bare the sickness and pain and if youre in that much pain and lightheaded you will end up throwing up somewhere or just on the floor drinking hot water to ease the pain. Until 2years ago i started taking pain killers it would help but not much i even take the ones that last for 8 hours but only ever last for 4 coz the pain is too great you can still feel your body getting numb the cramps getting worse so one day i took another pain killer after 4hours i ended up overdosing on it and litterally went to the toilet and vomitted at the same time (painful) after that my body was in such a bad shape that all my muscles started aching like youre bodys been smashed, had to suffer through that for days on top of having a period, luckily i am not working at the moment and so im not put in a situation where i have to face an employer and tell them i need a day off coz i have my period.
Periods arent as simple as eveyone specially in the workplace think it is, lucky are the women who are still able to function like a normal person on those days but for someone like me for example is just excruiating having to deal with it and be put in an unbiased environment where people think youre just slacking off.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Zara.
By talking openly about menstruation, we open the door for others to do the same.
Wishing you all the best. <3
I think period days would be really good for women everywhere. It’s something I have always hoped for. Since starting my periods at 12 I have always found them unbearable to deal with. I’ve always experienced excruciating pains every month and would spend hours in the bath in agony keep topping up the hot water.
Now in adulthood I am in my 30s and finally being referred to have fibroids removed and checked for endometriosis. Every month is awful and my manager has always been understanding and let me go home. But with not being the only female in the office I feel that I am not being understood. I feel the other girls think I am overreacting and don’t take me seriously.
