One way to destigmatize menstrual periods may be to give women a week off every month -- at least, that's what one British company hopes to achieve.

Bristol-based Coexist has a largely female staff, and the company's directors say it's "unfair" for women to have to work while in pain.

"Everyone at Coexist respects the company and gives more than 100 percent to their work, so I don't think we will have an issue with people deceiving us," Director Bex Baxter told the Bristol Post.

This is an uncommon business practice throughout the world. In the U.S., most companies don't even offer paid maternity leave.

However, several Asian countries like Japan and Taiwan offer working women the ability to take a few paid days to a week off every month during their menstrual cycle.

Some activists have said allowing women to take time off for their period pain doesn't improve gender equality.

For female workers at Coexist, they aren't required to take time off, it's just an option.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Rafael Naveira, a member of the air traffic controllers union and a controller in Peachtree City, handed out leaflets explaining the effects of the federal government shutdown to travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Featured

Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC