(published on February 27, 2024)
Feeling Unwell During Period
The physical experience of menstruation can vary widely among women, and while some may feel weaker or experience discomfort during their period, others may not notice significant changes in their physical strength or endurance. The perception of being physically weaker or feeling unwell during menstruation is often related to several factors:
- Menstrual Symptoms: Some women experience symptoms such as cramps, bloating, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings during their menstrual cycle, particularly in the premenstrual and menstrual phases. These symptoms can contribute to a feeling of physical weakness or reduced physical performance.
- Iron Levels: Menstruation involves blood loss, which can lead to a decrease in iron levels in some women, potentially resulting in anaemia. Anaemia can cause fatigue and weakness, affecting physical strength and endurance.
- Pain and Discomfort: Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) can be quite painful and debilitating for some women, impacting their ability to engage in physical activities with the same intensity as they might at other times of the month.
- Sleep Disturbances: Some women experience sleep problems during their menstrual cycle, which can lead to fatigue and a reduced sense of well-being, impacting perceived physical strength.
However, it’s important to note that these experiences can be highly individual. Some women report feeling no significant change in their physical capabilities during their period, and there are even reports of women feeling more energised or experiencing peak performance in various activities during different phases of their menstrual cycle.
Research on the impact of menstruation on physical performance has shown mixed results, with some studies indicating minimal to no impact on women’s physical capabilities and others suggesting potential decreases in performance due to symptoms like pain and fatigue.
In conclusion, while some women may feel physically weaker during their period due to a combination of symptoms and physiological changes, this is not a universal experience. The extent to which menstruation affects physical strength and performance can vary greatly, and it’s essential to consider the individual experiences and needs of each woman.
Should You Give Your Helper A Rest Day During Their Period?
As an employer, you may make your decision based on the following factors:
- Health and Comfort: Some individuals experience significant discomfort or pain during their menstrual periods, which can affect their ability to work effectively. In such cases, having the option to take a day off or have lighter duties could be beneficial for their well-being.
- Labor Rights and Employment Policies: Employment policies should respect workers’ rights to health and reasonable accommodations. This means that domestic helpers, like any other employees, should have access to sick leave or medical leave if needed, without fear of penalty or loss of income.
- Individual Preferences: Some individuals may not experience significant discomfort during their periods and may prefer to work as usual. The choice should ideally be left to the individual domestic helper, based on their physical comfort and personal preference.
- Employment Agreements: The terms of employment should clearly outline policies regarding sick leave, including leave for menstrual-related discomfort. Transparent communication between employers and domestic helpers can help ensure that expectations are clear and mutually agreed upon.
Can Domestic Workers Take A Sick Leave During Their Period?
In Hong Kong, labour laws do provide for sick leave entitlements that can be applicable to all employees, including domestic workers. According to the Employment Ordinance, which is the primary legislation governing labour rights and protections in Hong Kong, employees are entitled to sick leave if they have accumulated sufficient number of paid sick days and have a medical certificate to substantiate their illness or injury.
The entitlement to sick leave in Hong Kong is generally not condition-specific, meaning it does not explicitly mention menstrual pain or periods as a specific condition for sick leave. However, if a domestic worker experiences severe menstrual pain that necessitates a visit to a doctor, and if the doctor deems it necessary to issue a medical certificate, the worker can use their accumulated paid sick leave for the period specified by the doctor.
Here are key points regarding sick leave entitlements in Hong Kong:
- Accrual of Paid Sick Leave: Employees, including domestic workers, accrue paid sick leave at a rate specified by the Employment Ordinance, starting from their first day of employment.
- Medical Certification: To take a paid sick day, an employee must obtain a medical certificate from a doctor.
- Sick Leave Pay: The pay for sick leave is generally a fraction of the employee’s daily wages, calculated based on the average wages earned in the previous period.
Employers in Hong Kong are required to adhere to these regulations, ensuring that all employees have access to their rights under the law. If a domestic worker has the necessary medical documentation to support their need for sick leave due to menstrual pain, they should be able to take sick leave in accordance with these rules.
However, specific arrangements may vary, and it’s always a good practice for both employers and domestic workers to have a clear understanding of the terms of employment, including sick leave entitlements, and to communicate openly about any health-related needs. For the most current and detailed information, consulting the Labour Department’s guidelines or seeking legal advice might be helpful.
You might also be interested in:
- Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
- How To Hire A Domestic Helper Online?
- 10 Tips To Help Your Helpers Deal With Emotional Distress
- Mental Health Resources For Domestic Helpers
About HelperChoice
HelperChoice is a reputable maid agency that holds a valid license approved by the Labour Department Hong Kong. The agency offers an online platform for direct hiring of domestic helpers and facilitates visa processing service specifically for Filipino maids. With a vast network, HelperChoice has successfully served over 75,000 employers in Hong Kong and Singapore, providing employers access to a pool of more than 20,000 domestic worker profiles. The agency maintains collaborative partnerships with local NGOs, including Enrich Hong Kong, Help For Domestic Workers, and PathFinders, organizing workshops and webinars to support the welling being and the employment rights of foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.
Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
Employers are required to renew the employment contract and visa for foreign domestic helpers every two years at the Immigration Department and the respective Consulate. If you need assistance with processing the contract and visa for a Filipino maid, you can reach out to the HelperChoice team via Whatsapp. Normally, the visa renewal takes around two weeks to complete. Most visa processing packages include a mandatory two-year insurance coverage for domestic workers. For more info, please contact us via Whatsapp.
See also: Visa Processing Service For Filipino Domestic Workers
How To Hire A Domestic Helper On HelperChoice Platform?
HelperChoice offers a convenient online platform for foreign domestic helpers matching services. Employers can register an account and post job ads for free. Employers can also filter and review domestic helper profiles based on criteria like year of working experience, age, nationality, cooking skills, employment contract status (finished contract, break contract, terminated contract or overseas contract), current living region, any reference letter from the previous employer. Once you decide to hire a domestic worker, you may contact HelperChoice team to process helper’s employment contract and visa application for you at the Immigration Department of Hong Kong. If you apply for an overseas domestic worker’s visa, it will take around 3 months time to complete the process at the Immigration Department. If your domestic worker is already in Hong Kong and has finished employment contract, the visa processing time will be shortened to 6 weeks.