Should U.S. employers provide paid leave for women suffering painful periods? Some Eastern countries including Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Indonesia do. However, even with this menstrual leave offered, many woman decline to take the leave in fear they will be viewed as weak. Many argue that companies with sick-leave policies should be able to accommodate women who suffer from painful periods. If considering the countries that offer this paid menstrual leave, one also has to consider that these countries often times offer much more paid sick leave to employees than what is common in the United States – upwards of 30 days per year as compared to the standard 5 days offered in the U.S. Perhaps that is the issue that really needs to be discussed.
