Frequently Asked Questions

  • Check out our Implementation Guide for information on how to estimate the cost of providing period products at your business.

  • If your organization already works with a vendor to stock products like toilet paper or paper towels, connect with them to potentially add period products to your supply list. You can also source period products from wholesale stores or vendors that specialize in workplace solutions for period products. Check out our Implementation Guide for a list of period product vendors that serve businesses.

  • Beyond becoming a certified Period Positive Workplace, you can do more to support the needs of menstruating employees at your organization:

    1. Keep a small supply of pain management products in your office aid kit.

    2. Ensure period products are available for employees working in the field, away from your workplace.

    3. Provide period products & disposal facilities inside each toilet cubicle.

    4. Ensure your period product dispensers and disposal facilities are inclusive & accessible for all employees who menstruate at your organization.

    5. Provide a variety of period products, including reusable options, at your workplace.

    6. Participate in the Gender Equality & Menstrual Health webinar, exclusively provided to certified Period Positive Workplaces. Email info@periodpositiveworkplace.org or fill out the form in your certification confirmation to register.

    Your business can also consider donating or volunteering with organizations that are working to advance menstrual equity.

  • Period Positive Workplaces improve gender equality by increasing fair treatment of all employees in the bathroom. Workplaces are accustomed to providing toilet paper, soap, and water for bathroom needs, but often neglect period products. Because starting a period is involuntary and spontaneous, period products are just as crucial as toilet paper and soap for people who menstruate. When menstrual needs go unaddressed, menstruation becomes a barrier that interferes with productivity and workplace participation. Becoming Period Positive addresses the previously overlooked needs of employees who menstruate by ensuring their menstruation needs are met with all other bathroom needs.

    Period Positive Workplaces also promote menstrual health, which is one way organizations can support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Menstrual health is vitally interconnected with at least 7 of the 17 SDGs . These include (3) good health and wellbeing, (4) quality education, (5) gender equality, (6) clean water and sanitation, (8) decent work and economic growth.

  • By collaborating with the private sector, we can advance supportive environments for employees who menstruate at a faster pace. Many of our coalition members are working with local and national governments to ensure bathrooms and public spaces also include free access to period products. Learn more about what the Period Positive Coalition has done with governments and the public in North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe here.

  • The commitment to provide access to period products through the Period Positive Workplace program is not legally binding. Participation in the program could yield possible backlash from stakeholders who do not support menstrual equity, but also sends a strong message to employees, customers, and the industry at large that menstrual equity is valued and there is a commitment to promoting an inclusive work environment.

    Minimal reporting is required. Organizations must fill out an application to be certified as a Period Positive Workplace. We may send a follow up email containing a reporting survey to track the impact of the initiative for certified workplaces.