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We interviewed the employees at Pearson Specter Litt, where the gavel hits hard but the truth hits harder - especially when it’s about plastic period products. Click to find out if the interview turned into a mock trial.
Read here: The Pearson Specter Litt Standard: Why Modern Women Refuse Legacy Plastic
Offscript Period Series | Ep 11
What the Dunder Mifflin team would teach us about inclusive office restrooms.
At Dunder Mifflin, nothing is ever simple. Meetings run long, HR issues run longer, and somehow Michael always says the one thing no one asked for. Now, imagine this team discussing something corporate offices rarely plan for properly: restroom supplies. Not printers. Not paper. Period products.
Here’s how that conversation would unfold:
The conference room. 9:00 AM.
No one knows why they’re there.
On the blackboard: “Periods.”
Michael bursts into the room wearing a bright red suit no one asked for…
Everyone gasps.
Michael Scott: Well-meaning. Completely unprepared.
“It's time to talk about the P word, not Paper. P-E-R-I-O-D-E-S… wait… no. Periods.
Okay, first of all, I just want to say… They are a natural thing. Like sneezing, hicupping, sweating, or emotions, which I have a lot of. So if our office bathrooms don’t have period products, what are we even doing here? I mean, Toby - this is your job. Gosh!
I declare… PERIOD AWARENESS! This is about inclusion, caring, and also being a cool boss. Do I know what kind of pads people use? No. Should I be involved in choosing them? Probably.”
Kelly interrupts: “Ew, Michael, that would be so creepy!”
Even Jim looks at the camera with his deadpan stare and mouths the word ‘no’ while shaking his head.
Michael continues: “But do I want Dunder Mifflin to be the kind of workplace where no one has to awkwardly ask a coworker for help in the bathroom? Yes. Yes, I do.”
Everyone stares.
Michael smiles, proud. “Nailed it. Pam, did you get some notes?”
Pam Beesly: The one who actually gets it
“Okay, clearly, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. It’s actually pretty simple. If we stock soap, toilet paper, and hand towels, then period products shouldn’t be treated like a special request. They’re basic hygiene.
It just helps people feel supported. Honestly, if we can stock paper no one uses and pens that barely work, we can stock period products too. And from a practical perspective, it saves time, stress, and awkward situations.”
Pam to the camera: “I can’t even imagine asking Angela for a pad.”
A short pause, “Or Meredith. Or Kelly. Or Phyllis.
Honestly, once you start doing it, you wonder why it wasn’t always standard. And choosing plastic-free, responsibly made options just makes sense. It’s better for people. And honestly, it just makes sense.”
Toby steps in, or more like tries to step in: “She’s right. Umm, I shall be working on it soon.”
Michael: “You know what, why don't you get out of this room and start “working” on it right away? Ugh. Nerd. (Sighs) Leave us alone.”
Jim Halpert: The one who makes it make sense
“Okay, moving forward, I’m not saying I know everything about procurement, but I do know this.
If you can keep a vending machine stocked with chips that Kevin mostly eats, you can stock period products in the restroom. And mind you, they are actually needed by multiple people.”
Jim to the camera: “One time, I put Dwight’s police volunteer badge in the vending machine with a few sanitary pads. He had to get all the pads to reach his badge, so he just gave them to all the women in the office. What can I say? I’m quite the philanthropist.”
Dwight interjects, “False. You are a conman. I’m the real philanthropist.”
Jim smirks at the camera and continues, “Anyway, morale improves when people feel thought of. And fewer emergency desk-to-desk supply hunts? That’s a win for everyone. Yeah, mostly Pam.”
Toby Flenderson: HR, unfortunately
“Uh…From an HR standpoint, providing period products aligns with inclusivity, employee well-being, and equity policies, I guess?
It reduces stigma and normalises everyone's needs. And yes, it also reduces…umm…complaints, unplanned absences, and unnecessary stress. It’s a small operational change with a positive impact.”
Michael whispers to the camera, “The only non-boring thing he’s said all day.”
Toby, trying to contribute: “Corporate also sent over a note about a possible menstrual leave policy. It’s… uh… meant to support employees dealing with severe discomfort or health issues related to their cycle.”
Kevin lights up immediately. “Okay, so… if there’s a policy for that, I have a few questions. Because sometimes I get stomach issues. And those are also… biological.”
Toby panics. “No, Kevin. That’s not...this is different.”
Angela stiffens. “This is exactly why workplace policies should remain professional. We are not turning this office into a daycare for ‘biological inconveniences.’”
Oscar sighs, already exhausted. “Angela, it’s not an inconvenience. It’s a biological reality. And the point of policies like this is to support people so they can actually function at work. It’s called equity, Angela. Look it up. It’s in the dictionary."
Kevin, still thinking: “So… just to clarify, this is a no on ‘Gassy-M’ leave?”
Toby: “Yes. That is a no.”
Pam cuts in, trying to regain control of the room. “Okay, can we maybe start with making sure the bathroom actually has supplies before we redesign the entire policy system?”
Jim glances at the camera. “Baby steps.”
Dwight Schrute: The one who’s always prepared
“In the Schrute family. We prepare for everything. Emergency kits, survival gear, backup supplies, you name it. Running out of necessary hygiene products is a failure of preparation.
A well-stocked restroom is a sign of organisational strength. Also, biodegradable products that decompose faster are incredibly efficient. Efficiency is not optional. It is survival.
Bears. Beets. Biodegradable pads.
If I were the boss, there would be clearly labelled emergency supplies in every restroom and a backup inventory log in the annex. This meeting would be unnecessary.”
Dwight looks around, expecting acknowledgement. No one reacts.
Michael: “Okay, why do you already have a plan for this? S-T-A-L-K-E-R-R-R-R…”
Kelly Kapoor: The one who will absolutely judge you
“Okay, but like… Can we talk about how embarrassing it is to not have period products in the office bathroom yet?
Because imagine being at work, wearing light-colored pants, and suddenly realizing you’re unprepared. That’s not just inconvenient, that’s also traumatic. Maybe even more traumatic than when everyone forgot my birthday at work.
Jim and Dwight give an awkward stare at each other.
Kelly: “Also, if a company says it cares about women, but the bathroom situation says otherwise? Huge red flag. Inclusive restrooms are honestly the bare minimum, and yes, I will judge.”
If the products are eco-friendly and plastic-free, even better. It means the company is thoughtful and conscious, which is basically the workplace equivalent of being emotionally available. Speaking of which, have you seen Ryan anywhere?”
Conclusion: What this meeting actually gets right
The Office teaches us something surprisingly useful: the best workplace changes aren’t complicated. They’re human.
Stocking period products isn’t a perk.
It’s basic infrastructure, like Wi-Fi, lighting, or secure access.
When workplaces treat them as standard supplies, they quietly reshape what “normal” looks like.
Because a truly modern office plans for people, not just the paperwork.
Meanwhile, the latest mail from Toby:
Hi Team,
So…as part of our ongoing commitment to a supportive and inclusive workplace, we are pleased to announce that complimentary menstrual products (pads and menstrual cups) are now available in all office restrooms.
These will be restocked weekly alongside our standard supplies. We want to ensure that no one’s workday is interrupted by a lack of access to umm…essentials. If you notice supplies running low, please feel free to ping me.
And just like that, the meeting actually solved something.
Coming next week:
We’re hitching a ride from a chaotic paper company in Scranton to an even more chaotic precinct in Brooklyn. You may or may not hear more than a few Die Hard references, get asked about the ‘mouth feel’ of the pizza you just ate, or have someone read you all the UN Sustainability Goals in alphabetical order from their binder (with cascading tabs-the good ones).
Can you guess where we’re headed next?
About the Series: Offscript Period
Offscript Period is Saathi’s blog series exploring modern menstrual health through the lens of iconic shows. Each episode reimagines familiar characters discussing period care, sustainability, and evolving health standards, turning everyday entertainment into conversations about better materials, better systems, and better choices.
Disclaimer: This content is a work of parody and imaginative storytelling created for social awareness and education. All characters referenced are fictional and used purely for cultural commentary. This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the original creators, networks, or rights holders of The Office.