The Ministry of Health has issued a new policy, of which female employees would receive 30 minutes per day and at least three days per month during the menstrual cycle. The specific amount of time off will be decided between the employees and employers regarding realistic working conditions and the needs of the female employees.

The policy was the ministry's effort to pay attention to female employees' healthcare. However, many employers have complained that it was hard to implement.

Nguyen Minh Hanh, director of a bank in Ha Noi said that her employees, especially receptionists, hardly could leave their positions during the working day as there were many customers in queue waiting to be served.

She did not think that 30 minutes off would make their staff feel healthier while customers were forced to wait.

Phan Van Anh, director of a private company, said she welcomed the policy, but said that the policy could make employers hesitate to hire female labourers.

The policy takes effect this Sunday. While employers are confused about how to implement the policy properly and flexibly, employees, especially female workers at industrial zones, likely see this as win-win. 30 minutes off is always precious for female workers who have to work overtime, whether they are on their period or not.

VNS