Creative Agency Pushes Its Open ‘Period Policy’ With Witty Posters On Aunt Flo

Ever wondered if one’s menstrual cycle affects their physical, emotional, and mental well-being? Well, at independent digital creative agency AnalogFolk, the answer would be a resounding “yes.”

The company, which recently introduced a literal “period policy” to its employees, wants to highlight the importance of supporting workers during that “time of the month” by making its move open-source so that others can follow in its footsteps.

According to UK-based charity Bloody Good Period, menstrual pain is one the most common reasons women in the country miss out on work. In fact, one in five ladies reported having to skip out on school or work due to immense pain.

However, in spite of this, a study published in the BMJ Open medical journal showed that only 20% of the women who call out of work are honest about their reason for absence, while a YouGov survey noted that 37% of women suffering from period pain say it affects productivity.

Workers who menstruate are entitled to one full day of paid leave each month should it be required—which will not be taken out of their holiday or sick leave entitlement. Plus, the firm will provide free hygiene products, hot water bottles, and even a stretching space in the office.

To ensure the terms of the policy were inclusive and respectful, AnalogFolk worked together with its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) partner to pay special attention to the words used, so that affected individuals would feel supported in a safe environment.

Anna-Louise Gladwell, Managing Director of AnalogFolk, said that it’s been long overdue for companies to normalize conversations surrounding Aunt Flo. With the fact that menstrual cycles differ from person to person, there’s also a need for discretion among bosses.

As such, the agency hopes that it can encourage other firms to take on similar policies in order to create a more inclusive and happier work environment—thus, its decision to make its period policy “open-source” so others can adopt it as they see fit.

To drive home the message, the team created a series of vibrant posters with witty messages about Aunt Flo to raise awareness of this hidden issue many women face each month, and how it’s time to “put the normal in hormonal.”

[via LBB Online and AnalogFolk, images via AnalogFolk]