Be a Champion for Change: Make Period Products the Standard in Every Bathroom
At COS, we believe in creating positive change in the modern workplace. That’s why we’re on a mission to make period products a part of your regular workplace bathroom order. After all, shouldn’t these essential items have been a staple in your bathrooms all along? By stepping up and providing pads and tampons free of charge to your staff, you not only make your female employees happy, but you also take a significant step in normalising periods at work.
Raising the Bar!
Offering free tampons and pads in corporate bathrooms is a cost-effective way to enhance employee well-being and create a more supportive and productive work environment. This initiative not only reduces absenteeism, stress, and discomfort but also contributes to a content and efficient workforce. It’s a valuable investment in the physical and emotional health of the workforce and can lead to positive outcomes for both employees and the organisation.
1. Survey: Mourice Blackburn on behalf of the Austrlian Workers union, Transport Workers Union, Rail, Tram and Bus Union, and the United workers Union 2022 2. Survey: International Charity WaterAid 2023 3. QUT Study 2022
Our Partners
Order COS period products for your bathroom and demonstrate your commitment to employee wellbeing. For a total period care solution for your workplace bathroom, or for large bathroom support, contact your account manager to find out more about our dispenser options.
Femme Organic
Made with 100% organic cotton, biodegradable, plastic free, and hypoallergenic. It’s period care that is not only gentle on the body, but also good for the planet.
Libra
For over 30 years, Libra has produly crafted their period products in Australia, unwavering in their commitment to accessible period care for all.
Australian organisations are stepping up and implementing period policy
The Victorian Women’s Trust have introduced a policy and provide a “menstrual policy template” for employers so they can create a policy for their own organisation.
Some Australian workplaces, like Future Super have introduced a paid menstrual leave policy.
In 2021 Melbourne City Council agreed to a trial that provides pads and tampons in at least six community spaces, including community centres, pools, and libraries. The Council will evaluate the trial to determine potential roll-out to additional council facilities.
“Let’s face it, if blokes had periods, we would have done this decades ago” – Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, Melbourne City Council
Join us in making a positive change today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Focusing on important tasks on period days can be tough, but there are a few ways you can make it less painful. Dress for comfort, avoiding tight or restrictive clothing will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the day. Stay hydrated, water aids with digestion and boosts energy and concentration (essential for getting through a day of meetings!). Be kind to yourself, practice self-care by taking breaks, doing some breathing exercises, and enjoying a sweet treat. Avoid salty foods to reduce water retention and painful bloating and try to go easy on caffeine as it can increase cramps.
If they don’t already do so, encourage your company to provide safe and sustainable period care in the bathrooms, this small convenience saves time, boosts productivity, and alleviates the stigma around having your period at work, creating a more inclusive and empowering workplace for all.
Pads should never be flushed down the toilet, they have a plastic backing and are notorious for blocking plumbing. It’s a commonly held myth that tampons are fine to be flushed down the toilet, but that’s not the case. Like pads, tampons should be wrapped and placed in a bin. Schools, workplaces, and public bathrooms usually have special bins in each cubicle to dispose of period products. If they don’t, simply wrap it up with toilet paper, or your fresh pad’s wrapper and throw it away in the nearest bin.
When deciding between pads or tampons it’s really about what makes you feel most comfortable during your period. Many women mix it up, using a mixture of pads and tampons of varying sizes during their periods. Others are loyal to one brand and size of one or the other. It’s a very personal choice and one that you will come to after a little testing and time.
Heat is your best ally when it comes to period pain relief. When you’re at work or school a hot bath is out of the question, but if you can manage it, a hot water bottle or heating pad will help to relieve those cramps. It might feel like the last thing you want to do but exercise is a great way to relieve cramps, it works by relieving stress and tension in the muscles.
There are lots of over-the-counter painkillers available to help with cramps but if you find that your period pain is so bad that you can’t go to work or school, you really should see your doctor.
