How Kerry Group Rolled Out Workplace Period Care Across 30+ European Sites with Riley
How one of the world's leading food companies scaled workplace period care across 30+ sites, creating a more inclusive workplace experience for over 4,000 employees across offices and manufacturing facilities.
75% of surveyed Kerry employees are more present at work as a result of having access to riley period care.
Introduction
Four years ago, Kerry partnered with Riley to implement sustainable period care solutions across more than 30 sites, including both corporate offices and manufacturing facilities.
With over 4,000 employees across Europe, Kerry Group recognised that creating an inclusive workplace experience isn't limited to one office. As a global organisation with a strong focus on employee wellbeing, sustainability and inclusivity, they saw access to period care as a workplace essential that should be available consistently across all European locations.
To explore the impact of this partnership, we spoke with:
- Therese O’Rourke, VP Business Development and Executive Sponsor of Women@Kerry ERG
- Eimhear Smith, Scientist and Chair of Women@Kerry ERG
- Annette Byrne, HR VP Europe
We also gathered insights from employees through an anonymous feedback survey because creating an inclusive workplace starts with listening to the people within it.
Watch the Full Case Study Interview:
Why Kerry Chose Multi-Site Rollout
Kerry’s commitment to inclusion and employee wellbeing isn’t just a policy, it’s a lived value. With a workforce spanning multiple countries and very different types of working environments, the question was never whether to provide period care, but how to do it at scale.
The logic is simple: if period products matter to employees in a corporate headquarters, they matter equally to employees on a manufacturing site. Offering them in only some locations sends the wrong message about whose needs are prioritised. For a company whose ethos is rooted in inclusion, a european-wide rollout across 30+ sites wasn’t a bold decision, it was the only one that made sense.
Kerry’s focus on sustainability made Riley a natural partner. As a B Corp certified business committed to sustainable period care, Riley aligned directly with Kerry’s own ESG goals and purpose-driven standards.
“I definitely think a company-wide rollout is the best way to go with something like this. It’s a global thing. Having periods is a global thing for women and why shouldn’t every woman have access to free period products when they go to work?”
— Eimhear Smith, Scientist and Chair of Women@Kerry ERG, Kerry Group
98% of surveyed employees would recommend having period care products in all workplaces.
Going Beyond Products: Normalising the Conversation
Kerry didn’t just provide products and leave it there.
Working in partnership with Riley, they invested in education, hosting webinars on women’s health and menstrual wellbeing to help shift the culture internally, and to make it easier for employees to talk openly about periods at work.
These conversations helped create greater awareness internally and encouraged employees to speak more openly about periods in the workplace.
“It created a conversation where even the men in the room were talking about the conversations they had with their daughters around periods, so initiatives like this can really help normalise the topic.”
— Therese O’Rourke, VP Business Development, Kerry Group
The Impact: What the Numbers Say
The data from Kerry’s employee survey tells a clear story across four key areas:
Wellbeing & Stress Reduction
88% feel less stressed managing their period at work, knowing Riley products are available.
“It might seem like a small thing, but having products like Riley available at work free of charge makes a big difference, it helps women in manufacturing that work shifts, feel supported and just get on with the job without added stress for unplanned events! "
— Fionnula Horisk, Plant Manager, Kerry Group
Productivity & Presence
75% say Riley helps them stay more present and focused at work during their period.
67% are less likely to leave work early or miss a meeting because of their period.
Creating a More Inclusive Workplace
100% agree the initiative contributes to a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
Attraction & Retention
95% view Kerry more positively as an employer as a result of providing Riley products.
97% say it is important their workplace provides sustainable period care.
Sustainability at the Core
For Kerry, sustainability isn’t a box to tick, it’s central to how they operate. From their supply chain to their workplace initiatives, Kerry looks to partner with organisations that share their commitment to doing things better.
Riley’s status as a certified B Corp, its commitment to sustainable materials, and its purpose-driven approach were all factors in the decision to partner. And that alignment resonates deeply with Kerry’s employees.
“Sustainability is a key agenda item for Kerry Group, so it definitely makes a difference knowing the products are made from sustainable materials.”
— Annette Byrne, HR VP Europe, Kerry Group
A Partnership Built for Scale
Four years in, the partnership between Kerry and Riley is about more than products. It’s a shared belief that truly inclusive workplaces are built through consistent action, not selective action. Across every site, every office, every bathroom.
Kerry’s approach offers a clear message to any organisation thinking about taking this step: don’t stop at one site. Period care is a basic need. And basic needs don’t stop at the door of your flagship office.
“We know having Riley in our bathrooms has increased engagement, and we know that engagement drives productivity and business performance. From an overall business perspective, it’s a fantastic initiative.”
— Annette Byrne, HR VP Europe, Kerry Group
Ready to Roll Riley Out Across Your Sites?
If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to foster a more inclusive, sustainable and supportive workplace, across every single one of your locations, Riley would love to help.
