EMR launch staff period dignity scheme

East Midlands Railway (EMR) now offer its employees free sanitary products after it launched a new staff period dignity scheme.

The scheme helps EMR support period dignity and equality at work by giving menstruating colleagues access to free sanitary products at all of its stations and buildings.

EMR is working with TOTM - an award-winning period care brand and provider of sustainable menstrual products. TOTM has been supporting workplace period schemes with many companies and businesses throughout the UK since 2018. 

The tampons, pads, and liners 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 is an Internal Communications Business Partner at EMR and is also the lead of the company's Women's Employee Network.

She 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!”