How do you control PMS mood swings at work?

Question

If you suffer from PMS related mood swings, how do you prevent reacting, saying, or doing something that you will later regret?

Do you think it ever affects your job performance?

Should an employer make any concessions for this situation?

Background:

I have about a dozen female employees and at least two of them seem to be affected by this. They are normally good workers, but about 1-2 days a month, they seem to struggle in dealing withe normal workplace annoyances, so I adjust my performance expectations on those days.

(One of the other employees gives me a heads up - she's nosy, but at least I know what's going on).

We also have a disabled person who we make special arrangements (and sometimes concessions) for.

Should I consider it the same as the disabled person or issue performance warnings, since their job performance is lower in comparison to the other workers on those "days" consistently?

I know how to deal with this at home, but we are under pressure to produce.

Answer 1

First, you are businessman not a doctor.

Secondly, you don't know (for certain) what the problem is. Nosy people get things wrong all the time.

So, this is a simple one:

Clearly lay out the individual performance objectives, monthly, quarterly, and annually. Be consistent. Don't give them less than anyone else who is at the same level. (You'll get sued that way too.)

As "excellent employee" can compensate for a couple bad days by overperforming on the good days.

Plus, you get to keep your job too.

Answer 2

If you decide to issue performance warnings for the days that your employees are suffering from PMS be very, very careful not to let them know it has anything to do with your knowledge of their menstrual cycle, you will be crucified legally, these are the days of womens rights remember.

Also please dont think for one second that your 'nosey' employee is only doing her passing of information one way, what you say will also be crossing back to your workforce by your 'trustee'.

I suffer from PMS and I know it affects my performance when I'm working. The problem is I dont know it at that time, its not till the PMS passes that I see how it has affected me. It's a complex one.

I commend you for making concessions so far but also understand that you are under pressure to produce. Maybe a talk to the entire workforce about your intention to tighten the reins on a day to day basis and to start issuing performance warnings. Follow this with a quiet word with the individuals the first time their work is affected, leading to performance warnings the next month if you deem it necessary.

The fact is no amount of performance warnings will take away their PMS or improve their work on those days. They most probably ARE working to their full potential on that particular day.

Remember there have been women who have been aquitted on murder charges because of PMS never mind a couple of poor work days!!!

Karma.
x

Answer 3

I suffer from PMDD severe pms lol, my dr prescribed serafem for me and I swear to God I wish I had that 20 yrs ago! I am so bad I hate myself those days too lol. I dont know how you could bring that up to an employee, unless she is open about that 'time' lol but I would try to overlook it or bring to her attention those 'days' when her performance is down, like show her the pattern and hope she gets it, but you cant help yourself and rarely realize what a ***** your being till after the fact, that is why I say to overlook as much as possible, it is a medical problem

Answer 4

PMS is a medical problem that can be managed, although some cases are still going to be very difficult even with the best management methods. PMS is a very real thing that is usually more severe and predictable than "male PMS." I admire your efforts to accommodate this. Don't let the mislead feminists deny your efforts. I don't see how you can safely (legally & otherwise) check whether these women are doing everything they can to manage their PMS. I apologize, I don't have much in the way of advice.

Answer 5

Think about all of your employees, and even yourself. Do you know anyone at all who performs at his or her peak every single day? I highly doubt it.

Everyone has bad days. That's just what these women are having...some bad days. Unless their moods are so severe that you would otherwise fire them on the spot, then just treat them the same you would anyone else who's having a bad day sometimes.

Answer 6

So I assume your emotions and feelings are exactly the same at all times throughout the year. Did you ever get emotional or upset or frustrated? Do you show the range of human emotions? Get a life. PMS is not something men couldn't understand if they would just stop pointing the finger. Point it at yourself for a minute. Perhaps you're being an as@ sometimes and throwing people's emotions around. Don't demean women. You might find they prefer to be treated as whole humans and not robots.

Answer 7

These women may feel lousy, but they can make conscious decisions. They are not incapacitated. If their behavior is inappropriate at work, say so in their evaluations and let them deal with what to do about it. They have choices -- doctors, medications, yoga, therapy, etc.

Answer 8

You don't have to make adjustments for their performance, just keep plenty of chocolate around.

Answer 9

That guy is right about the chocolate.
Feed me chocolate and i will be the kindest,most reasonable person in the office.