Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based startup founder has drawn praise on social media after candidly sharing why his company initially rejected the idea of menstrual leave but later introduced the policy as the organisation grew.
Peeyush Sharma, founder of House of Creators and Viral Vichar, posted on LinkedIn that the conversation first began three years ago when the startup was operating from Goa. He recalled noticing that co-founder Radhika regularly struggled with severe menstrual pain, often affecting her concentration and productivity, while another co-founder, Jatin, would comfortably take sick leave whenever he had a fever.
Startup couldn’t afford the policy initially
Sharma said the founders believed menstrual pain deserved the same understanding as any other health issue. However, after lengthy discussions, they decided against introducing menstrual leave because the young startup lacked the financial and operational capacity to support an additional leave policy.
As the company expanded over the next three years, employees revisited the issue. A formal proposal from a colleague named Nikita eventually led the company to introduce menstrual leave six months ago.
Employees can take four paid leave days
The policy allows women employees to take up to four days of menstrual leave each year without having to provide an explanation.
Sharma admitted that the policy was not perfect, acknowledging that four days annually were insufficient for a monthly biological process. However, he said the initiative was intended as a meaningful first step rather than a complete solution.
Employees appreciate the initiative
Sharma said he decided to speak publicly about the policy after a colleague, Shruti, shared that a friend working at a large technology company was surprised that a three-year-old startup offered menstrual leave while her employer did not.
He also posted employees’ reactions to the initiative. One employee living with PCOS said four days a year seemed inadequate but appreciated the company’s intent. Another employee described the policy as an example of genuine care, adding that true women empowerment goes beyond diversity targets and equal pay to creating a compassionate workplace.
The LinkedIn post has since resonated with professionals, many praising the startup for openly acknowledging its earlier limitations while taking meaningful steps towards a more supportive and inclusive work environment.