What to tell when leaving early or WFH because of period?
Hi ladies, Every month I find myself in the same situation wondering what to say when my male colleagues/manager ask me why I am leaving early. My periods are really painful, I feel like crying all the time, I take multiple painkillers in a single day to keep going and productivity is out of question. Due to these reasons sometimes I want to leave early or take a day off but I never know what to tell people why I am leaving early or taking day off. Do you guys directly state the reason or make up some other excuse ? If you take sick day because of periods do you state any reason when sending out the email?
Don't know what Apple/your team's culture is like but "I'm not feeling well" is all you owe colleagues. You could share more with your manager 1:1 if you're comfortable. My opinion: menstrual cramps are nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone either has had them or knows someone who has. On another note, have you considered medical help? Had a friend whose doctor prescribed hormonal birth control that helped ease the symptoms.
Our team doesn’t have a culture of WFH but once in a while people do it. I know it’s nothing to be embarrassed about but there is this hesitation in talking about it with my male manager though my manager is nice and understanding.
Sounds like he would be understanding about this then. Good luck! I hope your conversation goes well with the minimal awkwardness
Just tell your male manager that you have painful periods. That’s it! I don’t think it is an unheard of condition. Let him know that you would like to work from home. As long as you are effective, no one would care. And if you really can’t work, for 3-5 days a month, that is something you need to take up with HR.
It's generally the first day that's usually the worst but if longer than that, having some accommodation (ada) would be better.
Like I said, just WFH in that day is good enough. Or not working at all. Don’t know if OP is in tech. But a day here and there really doesn’t matter nor does it get tracked
Just say you don’t feel well. NBD. You don’t owe any explanation!
I know I don’t owe any explanation but people generally tend to ask “why and what happened ?” I think it’s common for people to ask these questions if you just say you are not feeling well. They tend to offer help or advice if it’s something generic
Then tell them about your period if they ask. I doubt they will ask a second time.
Wow....I am sorry to hear that u have to even think about what u have to say...didn't realize it was so tough....just say it upfront, I cannot imagine any human being having any issue with it
You should leave the team if you need to give excuse to leave early.... (Provided you actually perform well on the job).
Most grown ups know to shut up and not ask more. Saying that you don't feel well is enough.
A colleague of mine said it directly. "Going though women related health issues" and rest was all clear. No one ever asked a question. It's just about telling it once.
+1
If it helps, use the medical term. That may help.
I take one day off a month. If I come into work, I might cry in a meeting or something. I take 6 Advils a day and still have more pain and have tried every pill under the sun. I just tell my colleagues I've cramps and I need to go home. Will work into the night if I can. Yes, it has affected my career. But such is life. I just work my ass off over the following weekend.
If taking a day off a month due to severe cramping has had a material impact on your career, you need to find a better team or better yet, a better company. But curious, how have you gauged impact on your career?
It's not usually one day. One day with zero work. At least another day wfh. I've had to cancel meetings I'm leading last minute. I've missed deadlines. We are talking about one day at least every month for the last maybe 16 or so years. I've missed exams at school. Etc.
I would be really upfront about it. A male manager won’t touch this topic with a 10 foot pole. And a female manager might probably already understand.
I have a male manager and I feel little uncomfortable talking about it but then at the same time it’s hard to explain why every 4 weeks I keep getting sick. May be I should just say it and get over with it.