Breaking taboos, building trust – Hitachi Energy’s menstrual leave puts wellbeing, empathy, and inclusion first

At our workplace, we believe that wellbeing and safety are foundational to how we work.

As part of our commitment, Hitachi Energy introduced Menstrual leave policy across all our locations in India – one day every month to support employees who menstruate. This is more than a policy – it is built on trust, dignity, and choice. It recognizes that menstrual health can affect people differently, and that managing pain, fatigue, or discomfort is a legitimate health and safety need. It is not something that should be hidden or explained away.

For far too long, menstruation has been discussed quietly, often hidden behind discomfort and societal taboos. By normalizing conversations around menstrual health, we aim to create a culture where employees feel safe to care for their bodies without hesitation or justification. This is not about productivity loss or time off, it is about supporting wellbeing, mental comfort, and long-term health in a respectful way.

When people know they can take time to rest without guilt or hesitation, it nurtures a foundation of trust, creating an environment that values real inclusion. As we continue reinforcing that health is not just physical but emotional and mental – our Menstrual leave integrates seamlessly into this philosophy, encouraging employees to prioritize themselves when their bodies demand care. It also reflects how organizations must evolve - from efficiency alone to empathy, from silence to understanding. When people feel supported to prioritize their health, they are safer, more engaged, and more able to bring their best selves to work.

At Hitachi Energy, this milestone becomes a marker of who we are and the culture we are shaping - one where empathy is strategic, inclusion is actionable, and every voice is honoured. We believe that inclusion is not an aspiration. It is a lived reality felt, practiced, and strengthened with every decision we make.