Today, Starbucks UK announced that partners (employees) across UK stores can access free 100% organic cotton tampons and pads at work.
To get products to partners, Starbucks is partnering with sustainable period care brand TOTM – Time Of The Month – whose mission is rooted in breaking down the stigma and shame that surrounds periods.
The initiative was brought in after Starbucks partners (employees) in the Women’s Impact Network presented the solution to business leaders, as part of wider work in the company to normalise periods and improve period dignity in the workplace. In addition to helping end period poverty, the partnership supports TOTM’s mission to alleviate anxiety about working during your period. Research conducted by TOTM found that 80% of women and people with periods say they worry about it at work and 76% say they find their period disruptive to their working day, with over 64% saying they do not feel comfortable talking about their period in work.
Holly Clarke, chair of Starbucks Women’s Impact Network EMEA, said: “The difference that providing free sanitary products can make to our partner’s experience at work is staggering, helping to improve accessibility for all and remove anxieties we know many people face around periods, especially when at work.
The idea to partner with TOTM was born from a team of seven members of the Women’s Impact Network, a group of 140 partners who aim to empower women to find their own version of success and feel confident in their workplace. We’d love to see others in the industry take a similar stance and work towards eradicating period poverty across the UK.”
Ruby Parmar, Chair of TOTM, added: “We’re so excited to be partnering with Starbucks, a move that supports our mission to champion menstrual wellbeing, comfort and dignity. A crucial part of what we do, TOTM’s Workplace Scheme has been helping businesses offer employees ethical and sustainable period care for 3 years. We really hope this move by Starbucks will inspire other companies to be bold and do the same.”
Starbucks has a history of collaborating with its partners to evolve benefits and improve partner wellbeing at work. On top of a competitive wage that doesn’t differentiate based on age or apprenticeship, all UK green apron partners receive:
· Free food and beverages on shift, free packaged coffee and in-store discounts
· Access to an extensive paid apprenticeships programme
· Full tuition coverage up to university degree level through a College Achievement plan with Arizona State University
· Free access to Headspace app for mental wellbeing
· A bonus day of holiday for a special day each year, such as birthdays, weddings, children’s sports days, moving house, or graduations
· Interest-free loans that can be paid back over 12 months, to cover the costs of a rental deposit when moving home
