A recent ‘Periods at Work’ survey from TOTM, the sustainable period brand, found 94% of women have experienced period-related pain or discomfort that affected their working day. In the same study, 82% of respondents said they would expect there to be free period products in the workplace, despite DPG learn reporting that 90% of employers don’t provide free period products.
TOTM launched its ‘Period Dignity Workplace Scheme’ in 2019 to champion free period care in workplace bathrooms. 100% organic cotton tampons and pads are available in unique workplace boxes that display key product information and ingredients.
Ruby Parmar, Chair of TOTM said, “Staying quiet about getting your period while at work has an undeniable negative impact on the comfort and wellbeing of employees, as well as their productivity. This is why we launched our Period Dignity Workplace Scheme, allowing companies to provide free period products and ultimately making their employees feel supported during these times.
“Getting caught short at work, struggling with period pains that disrupt the workday, these are all real experiences that happen every day – and they would be a lot easier to handle if there was an open discourse between staff and employers about what’s needed to feel comfortable.”
In the UK, 665 workplaces across the UK have adopted the period dignity scheme, making TOTM products available for free to employees including Bunzl, Hargreaves Lansdown, Sweaty Betty, and Teesside University.
David Cousins, Managing Director of Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies said, “At Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies we believe every employee’s wellbeing and comfort whilst in the workplace is crucial, and that is why we have partnered with TOTM to make available free period care products in all washrooms across all our buildings. As well as ensuring comfort and productivity in the workplace, Bunzl is committed to meeting our sustainable development goals and TOTM is a perfect fit for us. We have just started our journey and are looking forward to working together to raise awareness of their unique environmentally responsible period care products across our business and customer partners.”
