Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is making headlines once again as its chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, recently announced a new policy granting a one-day leave for female employees during their menstrual cycle. This announcement comes on the heels of significant criticism Subrahmanyan received for promoting a 90-hour workweek, which many deemed impractical and insensitive. The latest move has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, showcasing a divide in public opinion.

Mixed Reactions to Menstrual Leave Announcement

While some are applauding this step towards women’s rights in the workplace, others have expressed skepticism. A Reddit user commented, “This feels like an attempt at damage control. It highlights a lack of understanding about women’s issues. Perhaps he should take a break from public speaking and let this blow over.” Another user added, “This might lead to fewer women being hired at the company.”

• User Concerns:
  • Potential requests for proof of menstrual leave.
  • Suggestions for remote work options instead of just leave.

One user lamented, “Offering work-from-home options would have been a more thoughtful approach. Life is challenging enough with commuting, cooking, and cleaning without the burden of long hours for low pay.”

Positive Feedback for Progressive Policies

On the flip side, there are voices celebrating this initiative. A user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “This is a significant victory for gender equality in the workplace. Kudos to L&T and Chairman SN Subrahmanyan for taking bold steps towards progressive workplace policies. Menstrual leave should be standard.” Another user expressed hope that this leave wouldn’t lead to expectations of make-up hours later on.

Details on the New Leave Policy

This new policy is exclusively available to female employees of L&T’s parent company and does not extend to its subsidiaries in the financial services or technology sectors. Currently, L&T employs around 60,000 individuals, with approximately 5,000 women, making up about 9% of the workforce. These women will be the primary beneficiaries of the menstrual leave initiative.

Context of the Policy Change

This announcement comes just weeks after Subrahmanyan faced backlash for his comments encouraging a 90-hour work week and suggesting that employees should not “stare at their wives.” The company later defended his remarks, stating they were intended to align with L&T’s commitment to national development.

While companies like Swiggy and Zomato have implemented similar menstrual leave policies, many larger corporations have yet to adopt such measures. As societal attitudes evolve, L&T’s new policy may set a precedent for other businesses in corporate India.

In conclusion, the recent introduction of menstrual leave at L&T highlights a significant shift in workplace culture, even as it invites a range of reactions from both support and skepticism. This development underscores the ongoing conversation about gender equality and work-life balance in today’s corporate environment.