“The instilled discreteness of our menstrual experiences has encultured menstruators to mask and dismiss the debilitating pain commonly associated with menstruation and menopause.”
Karla Ruff - Brand, Marketing, People & Culture.
At the beginning of 2022, discussions began regarding Newpol’s capacity to introduce employee-centric policies that would reinforce our commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our team. It was imperative that these policies reflected our employees' needs and supported the promotion of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.
In the 2023-2024 financial year, we were very proud to roll out three new policies: our Parental Leave Policy, Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy, and Menstrual Health and Wellbeing Policy.
Through the Menstrual Health and Wellbeing Policy, our aim was to support employees in their ability to adequately self-care during menstruation or menopause and eliminate the need to deplete their sick leave entitlements, or take leave unpaid. Moreover, this policy serves as a tool to raise awareness, normalise conversations, and remove stigma and shame surrounding key reproductive health experiences and challenges faced by women and gender diverse people.