4 Reasons Why Businesses Are Moving to Free Vend Flex Care

Businesses and other public spaces manage diverse groups of employees, customers, students and visitors with varying needs. More than likely, a significant group among them would be females who require facilities for sanitary hygiene. A 2011 study also highlighted that by 2018, up to 423 million people would experience some form of urinary incontinence. These populations require special support within professional spaces, and businesses are understanding that doing so in a meaningful way communicates care, inclusivity and professionalism.

Initial Hygiene has been offering sanitary hygiene support for women since the introduction of the Sanitact unit in the 1970’s and has now expanded this support to Free-Vend Flex Care - a versatile free vend dispenser that hygienically dispenses a wide variety of sanitary products to help everyone access what they need with comfort. The business case for why businesses and other professional spaces are moving towards Free / Flexi Vend dispensers in their washroom facilities is a strong one.

1 - It creates more inclusive, welcoming washrooms

To work, shop, travel or enjoy a social life, women rely upon the availability of facilities where they can change their sanitary products comfortably and hygienically. If they can’t access sanitary products in these instances, they might face discomfort and embarrassment or even avoid being in a setting entirely. In the workplace, this could mean distraction, job dissatisfaction and increased absenteeism. For customers or visitors, it could prevent return visits and impact brand loyalty — 44% of US teenagers who menstruate report stress and embarrassment due to a lack of access to period products. By understanding your user demographics and offering the right solutions, you can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

2 - It meets increasing expectations

In today’s world, influential generations such as millennials and Gen Z are driving awareness and increasing expectations around inclusivity. As these generations publicly voice their opinions on creating more inclusive spaces, free or flexi vending is increasingly trending on social media, with businesses publicly praised for adopting it. As news spreads, we’re seeing that the conversation around sanitary products is changing. For example, a recent study showed that 56% of women who menstruate would like free-of-charge products supplied in washrooms to support good menstrual hygiene and 89% of US teenagers who menstruate believe sanitary products are as important as toilet paper or soap.

3 - It encourages better hygiene practices

It’s suggested that sanitary products must have the right absorbency and be changed regularly, or they can pose serious health risks such as skin irritation, toxic shock syndrome and urinary tract infections. Free or flexi vending, particularly when businesses provide a choice of two products, makes it more likely that washroom users will find the products they need and promote more hygienic practices. The design of the dispenser itself also promotes better hygiene. Washrooms have several hotspots where bacteria and germs can spread. To protect any sanitary products from contamination, our dispenser is encased ensuring that products stay clean and dry.

4 - It’s being integrated into legislation

Legislation requiring businesses or organisations to provide free menstrual hygiene products is spreading in different sectors and countries throughout the world and will soon become a reality for our region. Many governments have also mandated the provision of free menstrual products in schools and universities to help prevent students from missing out on education due to period inequality.

Free vend and Flex care solution offer users comfort, convenience and a better standard of hygiene within your space. It also communicates a message of care and professionalism about your brand.

If you’d like help finding the right vending dispenser for your business, speak to one of our experts today.