L&T Introduces One-Day Paid Menstrual Leave for Women Employees

Mumbai, India: Engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced a one-day paid menstrual leave for its female employees, benefiting around 5,000 women at its headquarters. The announcement was made by Chairman and Managing Director S N Subrahmanyan during an International Women’s Day event.

The policy, applicable only to L&T's parent company, does not extend to its financial services or technology subsidiaries. With a total workforce of 60,000 employees, women make up 9% of L&T’s staff. The move aligns L&T with companies like Swiggy and Zomato, which have already implemented similar policies.

The decision follows recent controversies surrounding Subrahmanyan’s comments on 90-hour workweeks and employee relocation. His statements on long working hours and welfare schemes sparked debate on work-life balance in corporate India.

Menstrual leave policies are gaining traction in India. In August 2024, Odisha became the first state to grant one-day menstrual leave for women in government and private sectors. Karnataka is also considering a six-day annual menstrual leave along with free menstrual health products.