Kerala: TV news channel introduces ‘period leave’ for women employees

Thiruvananthapuram: First time in the state of Kerala, a TV news channel has introduced ‘period leave’ for the women employees.

“The employees have the option of taking leave either on the first or any other day of their menstrual cycle. This is an additional leave,” Joint Managing Director of Mathrubhumi group M V Shremyams Kumar said.

As per the sources, about 50 women in the channel’s news desk and reporting will be among those benefited. The facility has come into effect from Wednesday. “This is an additional leave beside the normal leave the employees are entitled to,” Kumar said as per DC.

Two organisations, including ‘Culture Machine-a Mumbai-based media company- are said to already have introduced the ‘First day of Period’ leave policy.

“Considering the nature of their work and since they go through physical problems, such a decision had been taken, as an organisation, we would like to understand our employees and accordingly frame the HR policies,” he added.

Kumar had announced the gesture during a video conference session with employees on Wednesday afternoon, which was appreciated by both males and females, sources said.