Australia’s lack of reproductive leave is costing the economy $26.6 billion a year in lost productivity, new research has found amid calls for 12 days of reproductive leave.
An interim report by Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre commissioned by the Health Services Union (including HACSU, Victoria), Aware Super and Queensland Council of Trade Unions, has revealed the eye-watering economic cost of people missing work days, working through pain and sickness and retiring early due to reproductive conditions.
The analysis also finds that implementing 12 days of reproductive leave for all Australians would only cost employers $920 million a year, 30 times less than the productivity cost without it.
The report finds that women with severe menstrual pain lose nearly nine productive days per year, while those experiencing menopause with severe symptoms face a 25% drop in productivity.
Alarmingly, one in three women with endometriosis have had to change jobs, with many forced to forgo promotions or switch careers entirely due to their symptoms.
HSU National Senior Assistant Secretary Kate Marshall said implementing 12 days of leave would reduce the loss of output due to extended absenteeism and reduced productivity.
“This powerful research exposes the financial impact of ignoring reproductive health. The $26 billion annual cost isn’t just an abstract number – it reflects real lives disrupted and real productivity lost.
“It would cost just $920 million to implement 12 days reproductive leave for every Australian worker.
“This would be a game-changer for women dealing with painful periods, menopause and other reproductive health conditions.
“Providing access to paid leave will allow people to rest, heal and treat these conditions without worrying about the financial and workplace consequences of this choice. In Japan and Italy, menstrual leave has reduced absenteeism and staff turnover.
“The current system leaves too many workers facing a painful choice: suffer in silence at work or take unpaid leave. Reproductive leave is about fairness, dignity, and economic sense.
“Reproductive leave is a win-win solution: it reduces absenteeism, improves productivity, and allows workers to manage their health without fear or stigma.
“Women’s health issues have long been swept under the rug, but we can’t afford to ignore them any longer. Reproductive leave is not just humane — it’s economically smart.”
Reproductive health leave would cover IVF, severe menstrual pain, endometriosis, vasectomies, menopause, gender transitioning therapies and other health issues.
The HSU’s campaign calls on the Federal Government to make the 12-day entitlement part of the national employment standards, which set minimum conditions for workers.
Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) Victorian Secretary Paul Healey said reproductive leave was a major opportunity for the country.
“Reproductive leave would be a game-changer for Australia and a world-first because we are pushing for the 12 days to be available to all genders.
“Every worker, regardless of their reproductive health challenges, should be given the best chance possible to stay at work. Too many people are draining other types of leave to deal with their reproductive health.”
Contact: Matt Coughlan 0400 561 480 / matt@hortonadvisory.com.au
Visit the Reproductive Health Leave website.
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