Integrating Women's Cyclicality Into Corporate Culture To Enhance Productivity, Self-Awareness And Reduce Burnouts
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 24, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 25, 2024
Malwi Luczynska is a multifaceted entrepreneur, renowned for her groundbreaking work in integrating women's cyclicality into the corporate world. As the founder of Si AMAR, a revolutionary project dedicated to empowering women in the workplace through menstrual cycle awareness and tapping into full potential of female energy, Malwi is on a mission to transform the way businesses approach gender equality and employee well-being.
In the realm of business, the concept of female energy is gaining traction as organizations recognize the unique contributions that women bring to the table. Beyond the traditional metrics of success, such as revenue and market share, associated with skills and expertise, there is a growing appreciation for qualities that women embody, that can greatly influence the dynamics of corporate spaces. These qualities encompass empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence and are increasingly valued in today's collaborative and interconnected work environments.
One aspect of female energy that has been overlooked and is critical to be taken into account, is the cyclical nature of women's experiences.
Research has shown that women experience significant hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycles, typically lasting around 28 days. These fluctuations impact not only women's physical and emotional well-being but also cognitive abilities, interpersonal dynamics, as well as work effectiveness in the corporate space.
In 1996 Dr Catherine Wolley at Northwestern University discovered that female brain changes 25% over the course of the cycle. This includes mood, appetite, desire to be social etc. What is necessary to underline – menstrual cycle is not a period, neither is divided into period and “no period” time. The menstrual cycle is divided into 4 phases, which typically are compared to 4 seasons, with winter being a starting one – the menstruation.
For a comparison – men also experience the cycles, but these go in 24hrs rhythm, with winter being a nigh – sleeping time.
Inner winter – in the menstrual cycle of women – the menstruation – is a period of renewal, rebirth, restoration. It is a time of letting go, rest, switching off from external voices and tuning into own voice, own story, own direction. It is time for a set back, for quietness, and listening to own wisdom and intuition.
Inner spring – is the follicular phase, where, due to the significant increase of oestrogen, women feel more enthusiasm for life. It is a great time for initiation, new ideas, brainstorming, creativity, and assertiveness. This phase may be ideal for tasks requiring strategic planning, brainstorming, and/or negotiation.
Inner summer – luteal phase, is where women’s confidence grows. It is a time of ovulation, the only period when women produce testosterone. It is time when women want to be noticed; perfect time for that pitch, negotiations, asking raise, date.. it is “go-to” period.
Inner autumn, or the pre-menstrual phase, is when women naturally, on the wave of inner summer, want to push further while their body tells them to slow down.. and this causes pre-menstrual syndromes (PMS). In this phase, women can experience fluctuations in mood, energy, and cognitive function and, at the same time, have sharper focus – start seeing things that they haven’t been able to see before. This phase may be better suited for tasks that require attention to detail, focus, and administrative work, spreadsheets, reviews of documents, contracts, and cleaning – all that involves individual work.
The female body is not static; it doesn’t follow a linear energy path. Our rest and cocooning time doesn’t happen when we sleep but during our menstruation. It is essential for women to understand these rhythms, tune in to them, and incorporate them into their lives. Otherwise, we push through the discomfort against our bodies.
Currently, because of a lack of awareness and because women don’t adjust their routines to the cycle, there are many visible outcomes in women’s health, well-being, and performance.
50% of women are more likely to experience burnout, with 47% of women experiencing it in Europe (compared to 36% of men). Poland is topping up the list.
75% of ppl with autoimmune disease are women
85% of women suffer from hormonal imbalances (i.e. acne)
Another important consideration is the impact of menopause on women's experiences in the workplace. This topic is widely forgotten, but it shouldn’t be, as it is also part of women's cyclicality in a more linear way. Menopause, which typically occurs in women's late 40s to early 50s, involves hormonal changes that can affect physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive function. Physical symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, but also – and mainly – the emotional and cognitive changes may impact women's self-esteem, productivity, and effectiveness at work.
Understanding and accommodating hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles and in the menopause phase, is essential for creating a work environment that supports the holistic well-being and productivity of female employees, optimising performance and capitalising on women’s full potential, accommodating women’s needs during these transitions, fostering the culture of empathy and understanding.
At the same time, it requires a paradigm shift in how we understand and approach gender equality in the workplace. Rather than expecting women to conform to the same linear and consistent model of productivity as men, organizations must recognize and accommodate the natural ebbs and flows of female energy. This involves creating a work culture that values flexibility, empathy, and holistic well-being.
One of the key impacts of integrating women's cyclicality into the corporate space is the promotion of self-awareness among female employees. By acknowledging and embracing their cyclical nature, women can gain insights and a deeper understanding of their own strengths, limitations, and optimal working rhythms. This self-awareness allows women to better manage their energy levels, prioritize tasks, and communicate their needs effectively, leading to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being
Moreover, integrating women's cyclicality into the corporate space can enhance work effectiveness and productivity. Research has shown that women's cognitive abilities fluctuate throughout their menstrual cycles, with peak performance occurring during certain phases, such as the follicular phase. By aligning tasks and responsibilities with women's natural energy cycles, organizations can optimize performance and capitalize on women's full potential.
Furthermore, embracing women's cyclicality can foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees, regardless of gender. By valuing qualities such as intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence, organizations can create spaces where diverse perspectives are respected and collaboration flourishes. This not only enhances creativity and innovation but also improves employee satisfaction and retention.
In order to fully harness the power of female energy and integrate women's cyclicality into the corporate space, organizations must adopt a new approach to gender equality. This approach goes beyond achieving numerical representation of women in leadership positions and focuses on creating a culture of inclusivity, flexibility, and respect for individual differences. It involves implementing policies and practices that support balance in life, provide opportunities for professional development, and promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization.
Additionally, education and awareness are crucial in shifting societal norms and perceptions surrounding women's roles in the workplace. By challenging stereotypes and biases, organizations can create a more equitable and empowering environment where women feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.
There are steps being taken already in these directions, with several companies and governments around the world being actively involved in educating employees and the public about menstrual cycles and their integration into the workplace.
Google: Google has been proactive in promoting menstrual health awareness and education in the workplace. The company offers workshops, webinars, and informational resources on menstrual health, including understanding menstrual cycles, managing menstrual symptoms, and creating supportive work environments for employees.
Procter & Gamble (P&G): P&G, a multinational consumer goods company, has launched educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene in the workplace. The company provides resources, such as educational materials and workshops, to help employees better understand menstrual cycles and address related challenges at work.
Ernst & Young (EY): EY, one of the largest professional services firms in the world, has implemented educational programs and initiatives to support menstrual health and well-being among its employees. The company offers workshops, seminars, and online resources on topics related to menstrual health, work-life balance, and mental well-being.
Nike: Nike, a global sportswear and footwear company, has incorporated menstrual health education and awareness into its employee wellness programs. The company provides resources, such as workshops, seminars, and online materials, to educate employees about menstrual cycles, symptoms, and management strategies.
Menstrual Leave Policies: Some countries, such as Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Spain, Zambia, have implemented menstrual leave policies that allow female employees to take time off work during their menstrual periods without using sick leave or vacation days. For example, in Japan, companies like Nike Japan and Unicharm Corporation offer menstrual leave as part of their employee benefits package.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Many companies worldwide offer flexible work arrangements that allow employees to adjust their schedules or work remotely to accommodate their menstrual cycles. For instance, companies like Deloitte and Ernst & Young in the United States provide flexible work options, including telecommuting and flexible hours, to support their employees' work-life balance.
Overall, addressing the menstrual cycle in the corporate world requires a multifaceted approach that includes policies, programs, and cultural shifts to support women's health, well-being, and work effectiveness. Understanding the female body shall be everyone’s business.
In conclusion, harnessing female energy and integrating women's cyclicality into the corporate sphere has the potential to transform the way we work and lead in the 21st century. By recognizing and accommodating women's natural rhythms and experiences, organizations can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment where women thrive. By addressing women's cyclicality, including menopause, organizations can reduce the burnout rate among women and support them in realizing their full potential, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
This will not only benefit women but also will contribute to the overall success and sustainability of businesses in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
It will shift the paradigm of how we understand and approach gender equality in the workplace, from giving the women a leader to climb up, to giving her the light, the space and the voice to express her full potential, build on the qualities of feminine energy and women cyclicality.
Check out our SI AMAR app – empowering women in business. We focus on improving the well-being and effectiveness of women in corporate environments by integrating menstrual cycle knowledge with everyday business tools. We strive to reduce burnout and gender inequality through education and adapting the work environment to women's natural biological cycles.
SI AMAR app can be downloaded for free:
Malwi Luczynska, Professional Coach for Female Leaders & Visioners Founder of SI AMAR
Malwi Luczynska is a multifaceted entrepreneur, renowned for her groundbreaking work in integrating women's cyclicality into the corporate world. As the founder of Si AMAR, a revolutionary project dedicated to empowering women in the workplace through menstrual cycle awareness and tapping into full potential of female energy, Malwi is on a mission to transform the way businesses approach gender equality and employee well-being.
With a diverse background in coaching, yoga teaching, and international business leadership, Malwi brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her work. Drawing upon her background in business management and her own experiences as a woman navigating the corporate world, she created Si AMAR as a space to empower women to embrace their natural rhythms and thrive in the workplace. She empowers individuals and organizations alike to unlock their full potential, cultivate resilience, and foster inclusive work cultures that honor diversity and holistic well-being.
