TfW is proud to become a period-positive workplace and as part of this pledge, they have partnered with TOTM to supply free period products to their colleagues across the network.
After researching several brands of period products, they chose to partner with TOTM which is a market-leading ethical brand, supplying thousands of sites nationwide with planet-friendly period care. They've pioneered the period-positive workplace movement in the UK, and have developed an unrivalled scheme which includes:
• Exclusive workplace boxes with 100% organic cotton period care.
• For every workplace box sold, they donate 10p to Endometriosis UK.
• Menstrual wellbeing resources
• Carbon neutral delivery throughout the UK and Europe.
Why are they providing these products?
Menstruation is a stigmatised topic in society, often shrouded in secrecy and shame.
The stigma and silence around periods in the workplace can affect colleagues' comfort, productivity, and wellbeing. From getting caught short at work to struggling with period pains that disrupt the workday – these are all real experiences that TfW realise colleagues face daily.
Depending on the job requirements and workplace environment, periods can cause unnecessary stress. It means planning workdays around toilet breaks to change a tampon/pad, which is challenging for frontline colleagues working shifts, offsite or in remote locations.
It’s important to address period stigma in TfW so we can foster better working environments for menstruating employees.
Providing free period care is important in breaking down the stigma and ensuring everyone at TfW is comfortable performing their roles.
EDI coordinator, Kayleigh Meek who has led the project said, “Creating a period-positive workplace has been a labour of love and has included collaboration from various colleagues across our network. Our Learning and Engagement Manager, Gemma Southgate approached us about the possibility of helping our frontline colleagues who work shifts or work in rural locations and might get caught short while at work. We used her research as a foundation for the project”.
A poll run by Action Aid in 2023, saw an increase in period poverty from 12% to 21% in just one year. This amounts to an estimated 2.8 million people.
“It was critical for me, that if we were to provide period products to colleagues, it needed to be for all our colleagues. We know that period poverty can affect anyone and so it was my mission to make sure we included everyone who menstruates” Kayleigh Said.
Products have started to arrive at stations, depots, and offices right across the TfW network and they have enlisted Period Champions for ongoing support. The Champions will check the products and replenish supplies by ordering directly through TOTM.
Sian Holt, People Programme Manager who was also an integral part of the project said, “I am very pleased that after months of planning, we have now launched our period dignity project for our colleagues across the network! Thank you to those colleagues who helped get this off the ground and to the colleagues who will continue to support this project! We know this is meaningful to our colleagues and something they have been asking for, so it's lovely to finally see these products on the network”.
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