ON PURPOSE launches menopause leave policy on World Menopause Day

In observance of World Menopause Day, ON PURPOSE, a creative consultancy specialising in social change communications, has announced the launch of an industry-first Menopause Leave Policy. Following the success of its path breaking ‘Period Chutti’ menstrual leave initiative, the new policy aims to address one of the most overlooked workplace challenges: Menopause. The policy is launched in collaboration with BleedEqual, an advocacy organisation advancing menstrual health awareness and gender equality beyond the socially created idea of femininity and womanhood.

In India, menopause typically begins around age 46, earlier than the global average of 51. With many set to enter this phase by 2026, creating an inclusive workplace to support those experiencing menopause is crucial. Key features of the Menopause Leave Policy include:

• Menopause Leave: Employees are entitled to up to six days of paid leave per year, which can be used as needed throughout the year.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Employees can request flexible hours or remote work options to manage symptoms like insomnia, low energy, and mood changes.

• Open Dialogues: ON PURPOSE will host educational sessions to destigmatize menopause, encouraging a supportive and understanding environment

Dr. Nalini Kaushik, founder, Bleed Equal, said: "The launch of this policy is a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the challenges many women face during menopause. Our survey at ON PURPOSE showed a strong interest in a menopause policy, but relatively low self-assessed knowledge of menopause, underscoring the need for more education and awareness initiatives. By launching this policy, ON PURPOSE is not only addressing these gaps but also setting a new standard for workplace inclusivity and support for women going through this natural phase”

"By introducing our Menopause Leave Policy, we’re taking another step towards creating a supportive, stigma-free environment for all employees. Open dialogue and flexibility are at the heart of this policy. We want you to know you're not alone. We hope to encourage other organisations to follow our lead in addressing these critical and often overlooked issues" - Girish Balachandran, founder and managing director, ON PURPOSE.

This initiative continues ON PURPOSE’s commitment to creating a gender-inclusive workplace, having previously implemented its ‘Period Chutti’ policy and signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). By addressing the unique challenges of menopause, ON PURPOSE seeks to improve the overall well-being and performance of its employees, reaffirming its dedication to inclusivity and support.