Vibrant Marketing is helping break down period stigma in the workplace by making sure free menstrual products are available for employees in its office washrooms.
The organization recently teamed up with Alea Protection, a menstrual product manufacturer, to stock natural and sustainable feminine hygiene products and ensure they’re clearly displayed and easy to access in Vibrant’s washrooms. The organization also extensively communicates to employees that they’re available. The initiative is just one way the marketing company is doing its part to help make feminine hygiene products the norm in workplace restrooms and re-shape how periods are perceived in professional environments.
Vibrant Marketing was more than happy to support this concept, says Jennifer Cordeiro, the company’s director of talent and culture. “I think menstrual hygiene is being considered by more and more companies and people are moving away from seeing it as taboo. It’s important that we provide the right products to employees and clients and make sure everyone has access to what they might need. Some of my past employers did provide these products, but I think it’s something every employer should offer.”
Read: Federally regulated workplaces to begin providing employees with menstrual products
Period stigma is still an issue in some workplaces, says Cordeiro, noting menstruating employees can face challenges if their employer doesn’t create an open culture. She points out when menstruating employees don’t have these products on hand, they often have to ask colleagues if they have one to spare, which can be an uncomfortable ask for many.
Employers can help reduce period stigma in the workplace by fostering a culture that facilitates open discussions around the subject of menstrual hygiene and makes these products easily available in the office, notes Cordeiro.
“[Women’s health] is such an important topic, in general, and our motive is to support inclusivity throughout our organization. And I think women can flourish in all aspects when they feel fully supported at work. We strive to ensure we’re supporting local communities and partnering with organizations such as this one that give back to communities in need.”