Nationwide reproductive leave could save billions

According to recent claims, an implementation of universal reproductive leave in Australia could have multi-billion-dollar economic benefits.

There have been increased calls for reproductive leave for workers over the past year or so, with many growing an understanding of how much the implementation of such a policy can benefit employees – especially women.

As previously reported by HR Leader, the Greens are currently pushing for 12 days of paid reproductive health leave per year in the National Employment Standards and modern awards – a policy introduced by party leader Senator Larissa Waters.

No one should have to suffer financially to manage their reproductive health,” Waters said.

“All employees, regardless of their gender, would have access to reproductive health leave. Much like paid family and domestic violence leave, this leave would be accessible to all workers, irrespective of their employment status: casual, part- and full-time employees.”

Now, a report conducted by Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre has outlined the overall economic benefits that a 12-day reproductive leave policy can create. According to the study, the cost to the economy of not implementing a leave policy is about $21.3 billion annually in lost productivity from absenteeism and presenteeism.

“This policy will largely benefit women, who represent half of our population, and for most, that comes with menstruation, which can bring pain, as well as conditions like endometriosis, IVF, miscarriage, and menopause,” said Kate Marshall, Health Services Union national senior assistant secretary.

“By rolling out a universal entitlement of 12 days a year, we will give all workers, particularly women, dignity and agency to be a part of a workforce that doesn’t currently reflect our needs.”

“This is not sick leave. Work can be extremely difficult when you are dealing with pain or reproductive conditions.”

The report claimed that annually, the cost of 12 days of reproductive health leave would be $1.7 billion, accumulating to $140 per year per employed worker.

“The lost productivity from reproductive health conditions costs Australian businesses a massive $21 billion each year,” said Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre senior research fellow and report lead Dr Silvia Salazar.

“Paid reproductive health leave won’t eradicate these conditions, but it will support workers affected by health challenges and bring far greater equity into the workforce, at a fraction of the costs employers are currently experiencing from lost productivity.”

The findings of the report discovered that menstrual pain affects more than half of women, whereas endometriosis impacts one in seven. On top of that, 74 per cent of women aged 45–55 report menopause symptoms, resulting in 17 per cent requiring extended leave.

Of the 1,000 respondents surveyed, more than nine in 10 living with reproductive health conditions claimed the leave would improve their productivity, mental health, stress levels and their loyalty to their employer.

“This report confirms that reproductive health leave is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Council of Unions general secretary Jacqueline King.

“Queensland has already led the way, with the Queensland Labor Government introducing ten days’ paid reproductive health leave for state public servants in 2024, thanks to the tireless campaigning of workers and unions.”

Unions NSW recently attempted to follow Queensland's lead, calling on the state government to implement 10 days of reproductive leave in state public sector awards.

A letter from the union to NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis read:

“The NSW government has a unique opportunity to lead the way by implementing a dedicated reproductive leave entitlement for all employees within the NSW Public Service. As the largest employer in the southern hemisphere, a commitment to this reform would set a precedent for the broader workforce and affirm its dedication to health equity and workplace participation.”

The push coincides with previous HR Leader’s reporting where reproductive leave was at the centre of a dispute between unionised lawyers and other professionals at major Australian law firm Maurice Blackburn. After being mulled over through negotiations, both parties agreed on an increase to six days of reproductive leave.