As someone who teaches Fertility Awareness and works as a Scrum Master, I often live at the intersection of two very different worlds. One is deeply connected to the rhythms of the body. The other is all about flow, iteration, and team performance. But the more time I spend in both spaces, the more I realise how much they have in common — and how much we’re still missing when it comes to honouring the natural cycles that shape how we show up at work.
Let’s talk about menstrual leave.
Yes, that’s right — actual, intentional space during the workweek for people who menstruate to rest when they need it most.
It’s not a radical idea. It’s simply human.
We Can’t Talk About Productivity Without Talking About People
For those of us who menstruate, the cycle isn’t just something that happens in the background. It impacts our energy, mood, focus, and how we relate to others. Some days, we’re sharp and social. Other days, we’re tired, in pain, or emotionally tender. That’s not dysfunction — it’s biology.
Working with agile teams means constantly adapting to change. We build in reflection. We take time to pause, assess, and shift direction. And yet… when it comes to our bodies, we often expect ourselves (and others) to push through and perform at 100% — all the time.
That’s not sustainable. It’s not even agile.
A Quiet Shift Is Happening
What’s encouraging is that some companies in tech and agile spaces are starting to make space for menstrual leave. A few offer up to 10 or 12 days per year. Others allow unlimited time off tied to the menstrual cycle, trusting employees to use what they need.
Menstrual leave isn’t about special treatment. It’s about recognising that people have different needs at different times — and creating a culture where that’s okay. Where showing up with integrity includes knowing when you need to step back.
What If Work Was Actually Cycle-Aware?
Imagine a team that worked with the natural flow of its members. That made room for rest when needed — not just for period pain, but for mental clarity, emotional reset, and real-life recovery. Imagine leaders who didn’t just talk about psychological safety but lived it, by trusting their teams to listen to their bodies and ask for what they need.
That’s not just good for individuals — it’s good for business, too. Because when people feel seen, they show up more fully. When they feel safe to rest, they return more energised. When we stop pretending bodies are machines, our workplaces start to feel more human.
A Gentle Call to Action
If you lead a team, work in HR, or are just someone who wants a better work culture — this is your invitation.
Start the conversation. Ask people what they need. Create policies that reflect real lives, not just ideal schedules. Menstrual leave isn’t the whole solution, but it’s a meaningful step toward a workplace that works for everyone.
Because honouring the cycle isn’t about slowing down — it’s about creating space for everyone to show up as their whole, real selves. And when that happens, everything gets better.
