The workplace bathroom can be many things. A refuge, a contemplation station or an echo chamber of embarrassing noises.

And it’s there that Wowa start-up that offers low-threshold periodic care for the workplace was conceived.

The Australian 2022 Periodic Care Workplace Audit found that 99% of employees believe that free and accessible periodic care promotes inclusiveness in the workplace.

With a mission to empower women and break taboos around menstruation, Woom strives to provide workplaces with a shame-free experience for employees in need of menstrual care products.

Co-founder Tessa Westerhof and her team recognized the scarcity of free menstrual care products in the workplace.

They decided to create a solution that would offer employers a practical and sustainable solution.

Woom strives to make menstrual care as easily accessible as toilet paper by offering a personalized subscription model that fits the unique needs of each workplace.

Westerhof says that despite half of the world’s population menstruating, only a small fraction of workplaces offer free menstrual care to their employees.

WOOM product package

“We also wanted to make it as easy as possible for employers. All they have to do is tell us how many toilet stalls, employees and visitors they have in the workplace, and we do the calculations and deliver exactly what they need each month. The time of period shame is over,” she said.

Organizational psychotherapist and leadership coach Eloise King said workplace research highlights the importance of humanistic leadership in creating an authentic work culture.

Breaking the taboo around periods in the workplace is crucial, as it can leave employees feeling unsupported and isolated.

By offering free menstrual care products and embracing menstruation rather than hiding it, companies can help push the button on menstrual shame.

“Nurturing feelings of inclusion and comfort in a workplace can have numerous psychological and economic benefits for both employees and employers. From a positive workplace culture to productivity and talent retention,” said King.

Woom’s “set and forget” subscription model makes it easy for the People and Culture teams.

“It’s a small investment for a big impact,” said Tanisha Rodriguez, Head of People & Culture at Entropico, one of Woom’s first clients.

“Companies want to attract top talent, and the ways a workplace can make its people feel like they belong can be just as important as the paychecks.”

Startup Daily editor Simon Thomsen spoke to Westerhof about the company. Watch the full interview

With 100% organic cotton products and planet-friendly packaging, Woom not only helps destigmatize menstruation in the workplace, but also promotes sustainability and environmental awareness.

In addition, Woom is committed to giving back to the community by donating 1% of its sales to the Women’s and Girls Emergency Center (WAGEC).

Each evening, WAGEC helps 200 women and children affected by homelessness, domestic violence and systemic deprivation by providing material assistance, case management, biopsychosocial support, accommodation and crisis response.

With a strong vision of inclusion and a commitment to social responsibility, Woom is revolutionizing the conversation around menstruation and work culture.