The Coffee Conundrum: Why Menstrual Products Deserve a Place in the Workplace
May 3, 2025, 10:51 pm
Location: United States, District of Columbia, Washington
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1944
Total raised: $530M
In the modern workplace, coffee is king. Offices proudly boast high-end espresso machines, free coffee stations, and a steady stream of caffeine to fuel productivity. But amidst this caffeinated culture, a glaring oversight persists: the absence of menstrual products. It’s a curious contradiction. Why do we prioritize coffee over basic menstrual care? This disparity speaks volumes about workplace priorities and the need for change.
Imagine walking into an office. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Employees gather around the coffee machine, sharing laughs and refilling their mugs. Now, picture someone rushing to the restroom, only to find no tampons or pads available. The panic sets in. This scenario is all too common. Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and neglect.
The statistics are staggering. In the UK, 14.4 million people in the workforce menstruate. Yet, 7% feel discriminated against due to menstrual symptoms. Even more alarming, 31% resort to makeshift solutions like toilet paper. This is not just a UK issue; globally, over 300 million people menstruate daily, with many lacking access to adequate products. While free coffee is nearly universal, menstrual equity in the workplace is still a distant dream.
So, why do offices embrace coffee but shy away from menstrual products? The answer lies in perception. Coffee is seen as a morale booster, a low-cost perk that energizes employees. Menstrual products, on the other hand, are often viewed as personal or too expensive. This perspective needs a radical shift. Providing menstrual care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Consider the benefits of offering menstrual products. When companies stock tampons, pads, or menstrual cups, they send a powerful message: “We see you. We value your comfort.” This simple act can lead to reduced absenteeism. A recent study found that workplaces with menstrual support saw a 10% drop in sick days. Employees who feel cared for are also more likely to stay with a company, boosting retention rates by 21%.
Moreover, providing menstrual products fosters a sense of belonging. It builds trust within the team. Companies like Ruby Cup offer reusable menstrual cups, saving employees money while reducing plastic waste. This is a win-win scenario for both employees and the environment.
On a broader scale, some governments are beginning to recognize the importance of menstrual care. Scotland’s Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2021 mandates free menstrual products in public buildings. Northern Ireland has followed suit, ensuring access in schools and public facilities. While private companies may not be legally bound to provide these products, these laws set a precedent. They signal a shift toward recognizing menstrual care as a basic right.
Yet, resistance remains. Many managers hesitate to discuss menstruation, often due to historical taboos or unconscious biases. This discomfort can stifle progress. To break down these barriers, open conversations are essential. When executives normalize discussions about periods, they dismantle stigma.
Inclusivity is another critical aspect. Menstruation isn’t limited to cisgender women. Transgender men and non-binary individuals also require access to menstrual products. To create a truly inclusive environment, companies should stock supplies in all-gender restrooms and offer a range of products. This ensures that every menstruator feels seen and supported.
But providing products is just the beginning. Comprehensive menstrual care includes flexible work policies, education, and open communication. Allowing remote work or flexible breaks during painful days shows a commitment to long-term well-being. Hosting workshops on conditions like endometriosis or PCOS can foster understanding and support among employees.
The cost comparison is striking. An average office might spend around $100 per employee per year on coffee. In contrast, a Ruby Cup costs about $25 and lasts up to ten years. That’s under $1 per employee per month. When viewed side by side, the math is clear: investing in menstrual products is not only budget-friendly but also a sustainable choice.
Implementing a menstrual care policy is straightforward. Start by surveying your team to understand their preferences. Partner with a vendor that can handle supply and logistics. Educate your staff through short sessions on menstrual equity and product usage. Finally, track usage and gather feedback to continuously improve the program.
In conclusion, the disparity between free coffee and the absence of menstrual products highlights a critical issue in workplace benefits. By prioritizing menstrual care, companies can enhance employee wellness, reduce waste, and advance their corporate social responsibility goals. It’s time to shift the narrative. Menstrual health is not just a personal issue; it’s a workplace necessity. Let’s ensure that every employee feels valued and supported, not just during coffee breaks, but throughout their entire workday.
The call to action is clear: survey your employees on their menstrual product needs this week. Partner with a reusable menstrual-care provider. Normalize conversations about menstruation in staff meetings. Share your impact in the next corporate social responsibility update. The time for change is now.
Imagine walking into an office. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Employees gather around the coffee machine, sharing laughs and refilling their mugs. Now, picture someone rushing to the restroom, only to find no tampons or pads available. The panic sets in. This scenario is all too common. Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and neglect.
The statistics are staggering. In the UK, 14.4 million people in the workforce menstruate. Yet, 7% feel discriminated against due to menstrual symptoms. Even more alarming, 31% resort to makeshift solutions like toilet paper. This is not just a UK issue; globally, over 300 million people menstruate daily, with many lacking access to adequate products. While free coffee is nearly universal, menstrual equity in the workplace is still a distant dream.
So, why do offices embrace coffee but shy away from menstrual products? The answer lies in perception. Coffee is seen as a morale booster, a low-cost perk that energizes employees. Menstrual products, on the other hand, are often viewed as personal or too expensive. This perspective needs a radical shift. Providing menstrual care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Consider the benefits of offering menstrual products. When companies stock tampons, pads, or menstrual cups, they send a powerful message: “We see you. We value your comfort.” This simple act can lead to reduced absenteeism. A recent study found that workplaces with menstrual support saw a 10% drop in sick days. Employees who feel cared for are also more likely to stay with a company, boosting retention rates by 21%.
Moreover, providing menstrual products fosters a sense of belonging. It builds trust within the team. Companies like Ruby Cup offer reusable menstrual cups, saving employees money while reducing plastic waste. This is a win-win scenario for both employees and the environment.
On a broader scale, some governments are beginning to recognize the importance of menstrual care. Scotland’s Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2021 mandates free menstrual products in public buildings. Northern Ireland has followed suit, ensuring access in schools and public facilities. While private companies may not be legally bound to provide these products, these laws set a precedent. They signal a shift toward recognizing menstrual care as a basic right.
Yet, resistance remains. Many managers hesitate to discuss menstruation, often due to historical taboos or unconscious biases. This discomfort can stifle progress. To break down these barriers, open conversations are essential. When executives normalize discussions about periods, they dismantle stigma.
Inclusivity is another critical aspect. Menstruation isn’t limited to cisgender women. Transgender men and non-binary individuals also require access to menstrual products. To create a truly inclusive environment, companies should stock supplies in all-gender restrooms and offer a range of products. This ensures that every menstruator feels seen and supported.
But providing products is just the beginning. Comprehensive menstrual care includes flexible work policies, education, and open communication. Allowing remote work or flexible breaks during painful days shows a commitment to long-term well-being. Hosting workshops on conditions like endometriosis or PCOS can foster understanding and support among employees.
The cost comparison is striking. An average office might spend around $100 per employee per year on coffee. In contrast, a Ruby Cup costs about $25 and lasts up to ten years. That’s under $1 per employee per month. When viewed side by side, the math is clear: investing in menstrual products is not only budget-friendly but also a sustainable choice.
Implementing a menstrual care policy is straightforward. Start by surveying your team to understand their preferences. Partner with a vendor that can handle supply and logistics. Educate your staff through short sessions on menstrual equity and product usage. Finally, track usage and gather feedback to continuously improve the program.
In conclusion, the disparity between free coffee and the absence of menstrual products highlights a critical issue in workplace benefits. By prioritizing menstrual care, companies can enhance employee wellness, reduce waste, and advance their corporate social responsibility goals. It’s time to shift the narrative. Menstrual health is not just a personal issue; it’s a workplace necessity. Let’s ensure that every employee feels valued and supported, not just during coffee breaks, but throughout their entire workday.
The call to action is clear: survey your employees on their menstrual product needs this week. Partner with a reusable menstrual-care provider. Normalize conversations about menstruation in staff meetings. Share your impact in the next corporate social responsibility update. The time for change is now.