What should a workplace look for in a period product dispenser?

If you’re evaluating period product dispensers for a workplace restroom, there are a few things I’d look at beyond the dispenser itself.

Because putting free period products in the restroom is the easy part.

Making the program actually work operationally is where it gets interesting.

A few questions facilities and workplace teams should ask:

1. Where are the products located?

If someone unexpectedly gets their period while they’re already in a stall, that’s where the product should be.

2. How easy is the dispenser to refill?

The system has to fit into an existing restroom servicing routine, not create an entirely new one.

3. How often will it need attention?

Capacity matters. A dispenser that constantly needs to be checked or refilled creates more work for facilities teams.

4. What products are actually being provided?

Quality matters too. The products employees use at work shouldn’t feel like a completely different category from what they would choose for themselves.

5. How much packaging and waste does the system create?

Individual boxes, tubes and other excess packaging add up quickly across a large workplace portfolio.

6. Is the experience consistent across the restroom?

Providing products near the sinks is different from making them available where someone actually needs them: inside the stall.

That’s ultimately why we built UNICORN around an in-stall model.

Simple installation. Fast refills. High-capacity cartridges. Quality products. Less excess packaging.

And most importantly, period products available in every stall.

The conversation around free period products at work is growing.

The next question should be: What does a really good system actually look like?