Hormone holidays? Job offers days off for period and menopause

By Ed Chatterton

A beauty firm boss has introduced "hormone holidays" for female employees suffering from periods or menopause, in what is believed to be a UK first.

Deborah Mitchell, owner of Heaven Skincare, began the unusual workplace initiative this month which offers unlimited leave to staff when hormonal changes affect their health and wellbeing.

The A-list and royal beauty therapist says it allows employees to take time off without "judgement, questioning or the need for medical evidence" if suffering from the likes of period pains and menopause sweats.

The latest staff perk covers periods, adenomyosis, endometriosis, periods, perimenopause and menopause and allows staff to take as much time off as needed to recover.

She also hopes the move sparks a wider conversation about how female health is handled by employers adding: "I have seen first-hand how isolating and dismissive these conversations can be."

And she dismissed any criticism the policy might encourage a less resilient workforce - saying she was getting more, not less, from her staff.

Deborah, who counts Queen Camilla, Simon Cowell, Kylie Minogue and Victoria Beckham among her customers, said: "Hormone holiday sounds like it's airy-fairy - but it is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of my staff.

“As a female who has just turned 60, I’ve experienced many hormonal challenges and shifts throughout my life.

"I’ve also spent decades in the workplace and have seen first-hand how isolating and dismissive these conversations can be for women, often watching talented colleagues struggle in silence and not be taken seriously.

“Despite this kind of leave not being legally mandatory, I’m using my common sense and empathy as a human.

"I don’t understand why anybody wouldn’t want to support real people in such a meaningful way.

"There’s a long way to go with government policy, but that shouldn’t stop businesses from doing the right thing.”

The Royal Warrant–holding brand, based in Telford, Shrops., says the initiative was launched this month as it is often considered one of the most physically and emotionally demanding periods of the year.

It claims the "pioneering" move is designed to remove stigma and foster trust, unlike traditional sick leave, and Deborah says she has seen increased productivity as a result.

Deborah added: “Some may think this sounds soft, but ignoring health issues isn’t resilience — it’s a problem waiting to happen.

“When employees feel their health is ignored or invalidated, they disengage or leave.

“Supporting hormonal health isn’t about being ‘soft’ it’s about retention, responsibility and doing the right thing.

"I think our generation here, and the staff we have got, we have got so much from them by looking after them, not less.

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"Hormonal symptoms don’t reset in January, and they don’t disappear because someone is at work.

"This policy recognizes that reality. We are starting the year with empathy, and setting a new standard.

“When someone on my team is struggling with hormonal health, I want them to feel safe taking time to recover without guilt.

"That trust goes both ways and is essential to building a sustainable, respectful workplace.

"I would urge other employers to take this seriously and follow suit."

The firm has not yet tracked data on the number of days taken, how many employees have used it, or the total days taken across the business due to it being such a new policy.

The currently all-female company employs nine staff members including social media and client relationship executive Holly Wilkinson, 24, who has worked there since September.

She said: "We don't believe any such formal policy exists at other UK companies.

"It has recently been introduced in Spain, where female employees are entitled to five days of menstrual leave, but we can't find any other evidence of anyone offering what Deborah does.

"I think in a more male-dominated workforces it is even more important but it is probably easier to implement in an all-female team where everyone experiences these things.

"In previous jobs I have found it almost taboo to talk about and you find yourself just saying your ill rather than disclosing the full truth that in your a lot of pain because of your period.

"So it's really amazing to be part of a team that is so trusting and understanding where you can be completely open.

"It makes you feel validated. "

Another employee Marzena Raj, 42, told the BBC: "If we have periods and do not feel good, we call our boss and tell her we want a day free as I have period pain or tummy pain.

"She always says it is no problem and I can come back when I feel better."

Director Ella Cox said the policy reflects the need for greater openness and education around women’s health in the workplace.

She added: “Understanding the different stages of the menstrual cycle - particularly for those who have not yet reached menopause - should be spoken about more openly.

"When these experiences aren’t acknowledged in office environments, they can be much harder to navigate.

"Creating a supportive environment is incredibly important to me, because when people feel valued and cared for, they do their best work.”