Gaming Platform @gogcom announced that it will provide its employees menstrual leave, allowing anyone suffering from excessive period pain or other complications extra time off. A policy unheard of in many countries, let alone the male-dominated gaming industry.

Employees are given an additional day off per quarter, but are allowed to take time off “whenever period pains occur,” explained culture and communication manager, Gabriela Siemienkowiczs. Policy changes like these fosters inclusiveness by accepting the biological differences in the workplace while challenging taboos around periods.

Menstrual leave is one of many labour condition changes in the gaming industry. Companies are looking to policies like menstrual leave and four-day work weeks to improve work culture. Though this policy respects the physical toll of menstruation, it also risks making employees who take advantage of the time off seem less efficient. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response after the companies announcement, but also negative knock-back based in misinformation and unconscious bias.