MTI’s new female employee benefit program creates period-friendly workplace

In February, Tokyo-based mobile application developer MTI Ltd. launched a new employee benefit program for women who hope to reduce menstrual pains and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with oral contraceptives. Using the company’s health app for women “Luna Luna,” female employees can sign up for online consultations with obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) doctors. This system allows women to get birth control pills delivered to their doors.

Japan’s limited access to birth control pills

Oral contraceptives are a safe and economical form of birth control in many countries. At the same time, they are known to ease both period pains and the symptoms of PMS. However, access to the pill is limited in Japan due to its high costs and other hurdles such as getting a doctor’s prescription. The pill isn’t usually covered by national insurance, and the out-of-pocket cost can be around 3,000 yen (28.00 USD) per month. Obtaining a prescription requires regular visits to a doctor’s office, which could be quite time-consuming for women with day jobs.

Under MTI’s benefit program, female employees can use the Luna Luna app and receive medical advice from a doctor’s office. Although an initial face-to-face consultation is required, this system would save a great amount of time in the long term. Moreover, the consultation fee and the cost of the pill will be covered by the company.

Many women suffer from menstrual period without support

MTI shares out two survey results supporting this benefit program. One is from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2018, which revealed that more than 50% of female correspondents have experienced women’s health problems that disrupted their functions at work. The results indicated that the majority of health problems were related to period pain and PMS. The company also conducted an all-staff health awareness survey last year, which suggested that 80% of female employees suffer from period problems. Simultaneously, more than 70% answered that they don’t think they can openly talk about their menstrual problems at work.

Education for all is the first step

Following the launch of this program, the company will organize training that aims to raise awareness of women’s reproductive health among both male and female employees. The training will be directed by Dr. Kaori Koga, an associate professor from the Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, who is also an OB-GYN doctor. Dr. Koga emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of severe menstrual pains. She also believes that making the pill more accessible and improving sex education are the key solutions.

Currently, the program is still in the pilot phase and available to a few female employees for the next six months. Creating a period-friendly workplace is crucial for women’s health and lifestyles. With this pilot program in place, MTI can show other Japanese businesses the blueprint of a safe and comfortable workplace.