Periods and workplaces are difficult to go side by side. We understand you have difficulty figuring out how to tell your male boss you have cramps.
What will I learn?
The whole world is getting awareness of the said topic day by day. However, the discussion on this topic feels awkward and uncomfortable for women.
How To Tell Your Male Boss You Have Cramps – 8 Steps
Firstly, we send all the women our love and good wishes for dealing with this issue. Secondly, we will discuss the cramps with a male boss.
Follow the points below, and you will have the confidence to talk to your male boss:
1. Take A Deep Breath First:
First of all, take a deep breath and tell yourself, “I can do this.” We know it is odd to feel confident talking about anything related to the menstrual cycle.
Moreover, it is more difficult to have cramps in front of any man but relaxes.
You would be sharing information that many women have experienced in their lifetime. Thus there’s no need for embarrassment or shame.
2. How To Tell Your Male Boss You Have Cramps – Choose The Right Time:
Many times, guys are nervous about meeting new people. Even if it is someone they already know well.
Your boss might feel confused about why you are telling them this type of information.
Therefore, make sure that you choose a time when your boss is not too busy.
3. Write Down The Talking Points:
It may help to write down a list of talking points before telling your male boss you have cramps.
Sometimes, it helps to have something concrete to refer to during the meeting.
It is better instead of trying to remember everything off the top of your head. Don’t forget that our menstrual health isn’t “women’s issues.” Men need to understand these problems too
If you are ready to talk about cramps with your male boss, then seize the day.
4. How To Tell Your Male Boss You Have Cramps – Calmly Tell Your Boss:
Be calm. Start by telling your boss that you have cramps. Afterward, start accommodating this situation.
In this way, they will understand what you are feeling. Moreover, it will be easier to work together rather than working around the pain of cramps.
5. How To Tell Your Male Boss You Have Cramps – Walk Them Through Your Actions:
Talk about your actions. Tell your male boss how you will do work on these days of your menstrual cycle.
Let’s say that you need to take a longer break or sit down more often at work. Because if that means that you can remain productive with less discomfort, then do it.
6. How To Tell Your Male Boss You Have Cramps – Be Honest:
When discussing the matter with your boss, be honest about everything. You can include the frequency of your menstruation.
Remember that this isn’t something that appears out of thin air. Therefore, being open will help avoid any confusion later on in the conversation.
7. How To Tell Your Male Boss You Have Cramps – Don’t Hold Back:
Don’t hold back. Tell your boss if you feel out of sorts because of menstruation or any other reason.
It is not an easy topic to talk about, but it will be good for both of you in the long run.
Acknowledging this issue with your boss would mean that they know what’s going on. In this way, they will have some empathy towards the current situation.
8. How To Tell Your Male Boss You Have Cramps – Show Your Gratitude:
In the end, you should thank your boss for listening. You will be grateful that you didn’t leave men out of this matter, as well as men who respect your privacy.
They may even feel relieved since they don’t have to worry about what’s going on with you anymore.
6 Things To Do When You Have Cramps During Working Hours
When you are in your office during your cycle, here are some things you should do. They will help you carry on through the difficult day.
1. Take Care Of Yourself First.:
The priority should be “take care of yourself.” We know that you are at work to make money. However, your health comes first.
It is important for you to feel better instead of working yourself into the ground. Thus, tell your boss how they can keep things running when you have cramps.
2 Talk To Your Female Co-Workers:
It would also help if you talked to your female co-workers about these issues. If you have trouble with pain on the job, then ask them what they do when it happens?
They may use heating pads or take an extra-long break. Remember that everyone’s body responds differently to menstruation.
Therefore, don’t be afraid to get information from them before talking to your male boss.
3. Bring Your Supplies:
One thing you may want to do is bring along a box of tampons or other needed supplies when talking to your boss. It shows them you came prepared and that you’re serious about the matter.
Your supplies also can be:
– Heating pads
– Menstrual cups or pads
– Medications to relieve pain
4. Keep Your Perks Simple:
Now, we know it’s not easy to broach this topic with your boss. However, if you want to simplify things, try and keep the essentials simple.
You can ask for a fan or allow cold water breaks. If you ask for complicated perks, they may see those as luxuries rather than necessities.
Complex bonuses can be like a tidy workstation, etc.
5. Have A Backup Plan:
If your boss isn’t ready to accept women’s problems, be ready for their questions.
You needn’t go into details, but being specific will help you out more than not saying anything.
6. Don’t Feel Guilty:
Your boss may turn down your request for accommodations. However, there is no need to feel like you’re disappointing anyone.
They might say “no,” but they might also say “yes.” If you’re up for this battle, then go ahead and speak with them before things get worse.
7. Don’t Feel Ashamed:
Don’t feel ashamed of your menstrual cycle. If you feel embarrassed, take a deep breath and remember that this is an issue many women face.
Furthermore, it’s not something to hide as if it were something terrible. It might be difficult to talk about, but you shouldn’t hide the fact that you menstruate.
Why Is Talking About Periods A Taboo
Talking about periods has been taboo for ages. Only these days are women speaking up about this topic.
First of all, we know that men’s and women’s bodies are different, and thus we need to be aware of this “problem.”
Research By ASRM:
Talking about menstrual cramps is not easy for most girls and women. However, according to research done by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM):
“Many working women suffer from menstrual problems on the job such as
– Abdominal cramps
– Backaches
– Bloating, and
– Mood swings”
The study gives attention to employees who lack access to breakrooms to lie down or rest. Moreover, it is difficult for working women to explain why they need that perks.
The problem isn’t that working women don’t want to talk about their periods.
It’s that the men in charge don’t want to know anything about it either.
“That [periods] is a touchy subject and one we’re not supposed to talk about,” said Heather Hayes
She gave an interview with ABC News. Heather is a Long Island office worker and mother of two.
“Men aren’t aware of the difficulties we go through every month.”
Research By ACOG:
So ladies, if you think this isn’t happening in your work environment, then think again. Because according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
“75 percent of women suffer from menstrual symptoms such as abdominal cramps.”
Bosses should be open to giving special considerations to women during their cycles. They should know various ways to accommodate menstruating workers without crippling productivity.
Interview Of Dr. Orly Avitzar
Even though “women’s health” has more attention these days, men have excuses not to address them. For example, Dr. Orly Avitzur noted via ABC News said:
“When an employee comes with severe menstrual cramps, she asks for disability. Instead of offering modifications at work, so the problem doesn’t recur in the future.”
“I’ve never gotten any pushback from bosses or HR about it,” Avitzur said. “It’s pretty common knowledge that menstrual issues are real and debilitating.”
Conclusion:
The fact is that everyone has cramps at one time or another. It’s part of our lives.
However, please don’t ignore the pain for too long because it can lead to other issues down the line.
Tell your male boss you have cramps as soon as you feel uncomfortable. Take a deep breath and tell your boss calmly.
Afterward, walk him through your actions. Be honest and do not hold back. Don’t forget that taking care of yourself first comes first.
The last thing any woman wants is to push herself into “hysterical work mode.”
She should rest more often instead. She should not end up in pain because she didn’t know what to do about it.
Last Updated on 1 year by Shahzaib Arshad
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