East Midlands Railway (EMR) has launched a period dignity scheme for staff, in order to support period dignity and equality at work.
The operator now offers all menstruating colleges free sanitary products and they are available at all stations and buildings.
EMR is working with TOTM – an award-winning period care brand that has been supporting workplace period support schemes since 2018 – on the project, which aims not only to support colleagues but also promote sustainable products and help reduce plastic waste.
The tampons, pads and liners provided are made with certified organic cotton. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without toxic, synthetic pesticides and uses sustainable farming methods.
To reduce plastic, TOTM also use biodegradable cardboard applicators, in place of plastic or plant-based versions, which can take 500 years to decompose, the same time as conventional carrier bags.
Charlotte Bishop, internal communications business partner at EMR and the lead of the company’s Women’s Employee Network said: “EMR’s Women’s Employee Network was really passionate about this project and the suggestion to supply free period products at work came directly from our members. We wanted these to be consistently available to all staff, at all locations.
“Partnering with TOTM has allowed EMR to offer sustainable period products free-of-charge to any staff members that need them. Menstruation is a normal part of life, and providing these products makes our workplace a more inclusive space – small gestures like this can make a big difference in people’s wellbeing and comfort at work.”
Kate Holden, human resources director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Sadly, whilst periods are part of everyday life, some people can feel stigmatised by their effects or by the subject.
“This can mean that in the workplace periods are seldom discussed or catered for. As a result, menstruating employees can have their comfort and productivity disrupted at work, causing unnecessary stress or embarrassment. We want to address this issue directly and hope by launching this project we can help colleagues across our rail network easily access sanitary products.”
Sally Tuhami, chief operating officer at TOTM said: “We’re excited that East Midlands Railway has signed up to our Period Dignity Workplace Scheme. “It’s time to break the taboo surrounding menstruation and support menstrual wellbeing at work. Through this scheme, our certified organic cotton tampons and pads will be made freely available to employees to use when needed. It’s a period positive step forward and the change that we love to see at TOTM!”
Image credit: East Midlands Railway
