Period Poverty Solutions for the Workplace

Across the UK, period poverty continues to affect people’s dignity, wellbeing and access to opportunity. For many, the inability to afford sanitary products and access hygienic spaces leads to missed days at work, discomfort and unnecessary stress. These are issues that can be addressed through simple and inclusive solutions in the workplace.

 Offering support in this area not only helps individuals manage their health with dignity but also fosters a workplace culture where people feel respected and understood. When organisations take proactive steps to break down barriers, they also take steps toward building a fairer, more inclusive environment.

Understanding Period Poverty and Menstrual Health

Period poverty refers not only to the financial barriers that prevent people from accessing menstrual products but also to the stigma and silence that often surround menstruation. According to ActionAid, 21% of people who menstruate in the UK are struggling to afford period products, up from 12% in 2022. This sharp increase reflects growing inequalities, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise. The impact of period poverty extends beyond physical discomfort, significantly affecting mental health by causing feelings of shame and isolation.

Ending period poverty requires a multifaceted approach, including education, governmental support, and community involvement.

Menstruation occurs naturally for half the population, yet too often it is treated as a private matter to be managed in silence. This only deepens the stigma and makes it harder for people to ask for what they need.

Why Workplace Access to Menstrual Products Matters

No one should have to improvise with unsafe alternatives or leave work early because they do not have access to period products. Employers can play a crucial role in the fight against period poverty by providing free sanitary items in the workplace. By offering free sanitary items in the workplace, employers can help create a more supportive environment, reduce health risks and promote gender equity.

Menstrual health should be considered alongside other essential health and safety needs in the workplace. Just as we expect soap, toilet paper and hand dryers in washrooms, period products should be readily available - not as a luxury, but as a basic hygiene necessity.

Access to menstrual products can also shape how employees feel at work. It supports not just physical comfort, but also a sense of dignity, security and inclusion. When employees feel cared for, they are more likely to be engaged, present and able to perform at their best.

Supporting Colleagues with Practical Measures

For workplaces looking to take positive action, providing free sanitary products in washrooms is a meaningful place to start. Without access to proper sanitary products, many individuals resort to using tissues or toilet roll, which can lead to health complications. Solutions such as free vend dispensers partnered with a sanitary waste disposal unit can help ensure that essential items are available when they are needed, without barriers or discomfort.

Dispensers can be installed discreetly in all washrooms, regardless of gender identity, helping to promote inclusivity across the entire workforce. Addressing the stigma surrounding menstruation is crucial in promoting a supportive and inclusive workplace. Some organisations choose to communicate the presence of these facilities openly, while others allow the visibility of the product itself to do the work quietly and respectfully.

Importantly, products should be high quality and available without charge. Charging a fee, even a small one, can be a deterrent, especially for those already facing financial strain.

Small changes like this can contribute to a more thoughtful and equitable workplace culture, where the needs of all employees are considered and respected. Over time, these efforts can help shift internal culture and encourage more open conversations about menstrual health.

Shaping a Culture of Care

Practical steps are most effective when supported by open communication. Ensuring that employees can access menstrual products without barriers is a key aspect of creating a supportive environment. Encouraging dialogue around menstrual health, reviewing internal policies and ensuring washrooms are well stocked all contribute to an environment where no one feels overlooked.

Limited access to menstrual products can lead to significant challenges for employees, affecting their comfort and productivity. Leaders and HR professionals have a role to play in challenging the lingering discomfort that sometimes surrounds the topic of periods. Simple acts like including menstrual products in wellbeing conversations, signage or employee resource packs can help normalise the conversation.

Organisations like UN Women advocate for menstrual hygiene management and policy integration to address period poverty globally. Workplaces might also consider offering wider support, such as access to health information, partnerships with local charities, or feedback opportunities that give employees a voice on the facilities they use. These actions all build towards a more inclusive, responsive working environment.

Creating this kind of workplace does not require large-scale investment, but it does require awareness and the willingness to act. It’s about listening to employees and taking small, meaningful steps that make a real difference.

The Way Forward

Helping to tackle period poverty is not just a matter of individual wellbeing. It is a step towards greater inclusivity and fairness in the workplace. When organisations choose to remove unnecessary barriers, they help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to feel comfortable, supported and valued in their working day. 

By making period products freely accessible, businesses are sending a clear message: we see you, we respect you and your health matters. That message is powerful, and it can help build trust, loyalty and pride among employees.

How Dudley Industries Can Help

If you are looking for a way to dispense or house sanitary products in your workplace, we are here to help. We offer a range of solutions to help dispense menstrual products in your workplace, ensuring that all employees have access to essential items. Our team can advise on practical, reliable solutions to support your organisation’s approach to inclusive hygiene.

Find out more about our free vend hygiene dispenser or contact us today to learn more.