Creating a Period-Friendly Workplace: Our Commitment this Menstrual Hygiene Day
Every year on May 28th, the world comes together to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global movement that breaks the silence around periods, challenges taboos, and advocates for menstrual equity.
This year, we’re proud to support the vision of a period-friendly world – starting with the workplace. Lyreco are committed to helping other businesses create environments where menstruators feel supported, respect and included. Here’s four key areas where we can truly champion change:
For too long, periods have been seen as something to hide and be embarrassed about, especially in the workplace. We want to change that. By starting conversations, raising awareness, and putting supportive polices in place, we can all create a workplace where everyone feels comfortable talking about periods openly.
Because no one should ever feel awkward or alone just because they’re on their period.
Periods can be stressful enough – especially if you’re caught off guard and don’t have what you need. A recent study revealed that 70% of people said they had been caught short by their period at work1, and 79% of people with periods have been forced to use toilet paper or other materials as a makeshift pad.2
That’s why it’s our mission to make period products available in all toilets. It’s a simple way to make sure no one has to feel unprepared or uncomfortable at work – because NO ONE should have to choose between doing their job and managing their menstrual health.
At Lyreco, we believe that understanding periods shouldn’t be limited to those who experience them. One of the most powerful ways to build a period-friendly workplace is by making menstrual education available for everyone.
Providing access to clear, inclusive education helps break down stigma and creates a more empathetic, supportive environment. This can be as simple as:
- Sharing resources or fact sheets in internal communications.
- Hosting open conversational webinars and inviting guest speakers to talk about menstrual equity.
Clean, safe and private toilets are essential for managing periods with dignity – yet many workplaces still fall short. Businesses can make a big impact by making small, thoughtful changes to their facilities. This can be as simple as providing adequate disposal systems and ensuring users have access to clean water and soap.
It takes a collective effort to build a period-friendly world – and we’re proud to be working with suppliers who share this vision.
Together, we’re making it easier for businesses to take meaningful action on menstrual equity in the workplace. Here’s what some of our partners have to say about why this matters:
“Period care is not a luxury, it’s a basic human need. Every menstruator deserves access to safe, sustainable period care.”
“Period dignity doesn’t stop at period product access, it also means having clean and functional disposal systems in place.”
“Supporting women on their periods should be a no brainer. Our bags mean sanitary bins are kept clean and odour-free. Making the binning a better experience and converting the 40% of women who flush their products down the loo to using the bin”
Creating a period-friendly workplace isn’t just good policy – it’s the right thing to do. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we invite other businesses to join us in taking meaningful steps toward inclusion, equity, and comfort for all employees.
Together, we can help build a #PeriodFriendlyWorld – one workplace at a time.
