3 reasons to offer free period products at work

Periods don’t wait for the workday to end.

It’s easy for a worker to panic over an unexpected period on the job, especially if pads or tampons aren’t readily available. This can affect their focus and often require them to take time away from work to get the necessary supplies they need.

In a survey conducted by the Free the Tampons Foundation, 62% of menstruators who unexpectedly started their periods in public went to a store to purchase supplies, while 34% immediately went home to get period products.

An easy and low-cost way to help your employees and guests is to provide free period products in your restrooms. This simple benefit can go a long way to support your team and your business.

1. Fewer workday interruptions

In the same Free the Tampons study, 86% of menstruators reported starting their periods unexpectedly in public without the supplies they need. And, when it’s during the workday, it can be challenging for employees to find the time to get the supplies they need.

Think about it this way: Toilet paper is offered for free. Why aren’t pads and tampons?® Imagine if everyone had to bring their own toilet paper to work.

By offering free period products in your restrooms, you show your employees and guests you care. It becomes one less thing they need to worry about, and they can continue working throughout the day, knowing their needs will be taken care of.

2. Support employee health and wellness

Menstruation is a natural bodily function that every month, 1.8 billion people around the world experience. Providing free period products in your restrooms is more than just a nice thing to do; it supports the health and well-being of your team.

Offering high-quality tampons and pads, especially those that are organic and forever chemical free, gives your employees and guests the products they need that are safe for them to use.

And if you offer a free-vend dispenser with an easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain disposal bin, you make it easier for employees to access supplies and dispose of products in a more hygienic way.

Normalizing conversations around periods also supports employee well-being. With increased awareness and acceptance, employees feel less anxiety over experiencing an unexpected period during the workday.

3. Attract and retain talent

In today’s competitive job market, benefits like compensation, insurance and professional development will always be important in attracting and retaining talent.

But, increasingly, candidates are seeking workplaces that prioritize employee well-being.

Benefits like flexible work hours, unlimited vacation time, pet insurance, mental health support and free period products in restrooms are all ways employers can build a supportive work environment and have a higher chance of attracting top talent.

Workplace period care made easy

Offering free period products has a lot of benefits, but for business owners, finding the resources and time to purchase, stock and restock supplies may not be easy.

That’s why Cintas is teaming up with Aunt Flow to make it simple to keep your restrooms stocked with the high-quality period products your team deserves.

From 100% organic cotton pads and tampons to sleek, free-vend dispensers and easy-to-use and maintain disposal bins, we have the supplies you want and the dedicated service you need to make it easier to provide free period care at your workplace.

Learn how we can provide a complete period care solution at your facility.