Groundbreaking event brings together industry leaders to address menstrual and reproductive health, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and burnout prevention in the workplace. More than 100 business leaders, HR professionals, and wellness advocates convened at Six/NEO on March 18 for Workplace Wellness Reimagined: Building Bridges to Better Health. Organized by femtech brand Lily of the Valley and healthcare platform Eluvo Health, the event spotlighted critical yet often overlooked dimensions of employee well-being, ensuring inclusive access to health support regardless of gender, identity, or life stage. By tackling reproductive health, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and burnout prevention, the event emphasized the importance of workplace health equity as not just an HR goal but a strategic imperative.
Reproductive Health Takes Centerstage, Addressing the Hidden Productivity Gap
The business case for inclusive health strategies was front and center, with discussions grounded in compelling data: 40% of productivity loss is attributed to menstrual-related presenteeism, and 45% of menstruating employees miss work due to cycle-related issues. “Implementing inclusive health initiatives is essential for sustainable business outcomes,” said Dr. Jaycy Violago-Olivarez, Founder & CEO of Eluvo Health. Insights shared during the reproductive health panel revealed a troubling disconnect between employees and management. Every female attendee present reported experiencing work-impacting reproductive health issues, but 90% admitted they felt uncomfortable discussing these concerns with leadership. The clear takeaway: creating safe, stigma-free environments for open dialogue is essential to improving not just employee well-being but also business performance.
Breaking New Ground in LGBTQIA+ Health Inclusion
Another critical area explored was LGBTQIA+ health equity, particularly for individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). The panel tackled how seemingly routine interactions like medical consultations can be exclusionary or even harmful. “The LGBT+ panel revealed critical insights into unique challenges during medical consultations, when they’re asked who is the ‘male’ and ‘female’ in their relationships,” one attendee shared. Dr. Deano Reyes of Hara Clinic reinforced the value of inclusivity, noting, “Real wellness starts with inclusivity. When employees feel valued, they bring their best, and that’s a win for everyone.” Bam Terol of Spill the T Podcast added, “Inclusivity is not just an ethical obligation but a lifeline that dismantles systemic barriers.” Rather than stop at symbolic gestures like rainbow branding, the event pushed for tangible change in workplace policies, encouraging companies to embrace the full spectrum of human identity.
Combating the Burnout Epidemic
Burnout, now widely recognized as a workplace epidemic, was addressed through practical self-healing techniques led by Dinah Salonga, a seasoned IT professional and certified Stress & Burnout Specialist with the World Institute for Incurable Diseases. Salonga’s session provided a much-needed pause for attendees, offering tools that can be applied instantly in any professional environment. A participant recounted an exchange with a breastfeeding executive who asked about improving sleep quality. Salonga’s advice focused on cultivating all aspects of life such as health, social contribution, and spiritual fulfillment, underlining that personal well-being is deeply multifaceted. Participants were also introduced to a transformative breathing exercise designed to revitalize the body, reinforcing the importance of integrating mind-body practices into daily routines at work.
Sustainability and Innovation
The event’s venue, Six/NEO, played a symbolic and practical role by linking environmental sustainability to human wellness. “At NEO, our commitment extends to the holistic well-being of everyone in our buildings,” said Gie Garcia, Co-Managing Director & Chief Sustainability Officer of NEO. The event also featured findings from FemTech Association Asia, which reported a 20% rise in femtech product and service spending across the region, signaling both growing demand and opportunity for innovation in corporate wellness solutions.
Call to Action: Transform Your Workplace Now
To close the event, participants were encouraged to commit to action by signing a Workplace Wellness Pledge, agreeing to implement at least one new wellness initiative within the next six months. “Workplace wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s a business imperative,” said Camille Escudero, Founder of Lily of the Valley. “By fostering open dialogues and providing practical solutions, we’re helping organizations improve retention, engagement, and productivity. The question isn’t whether you can afford to implement these changes, it’s whether you can afford not to.” For companies ready to take the next step, Lily of the Valley offers tailored workshops, toolkits, and free 30-minute consultations. NEO provides wellness-centered workspace solutions, while FemTech Association Asia’s research can guide long-term policy development. To schedule your free consultation, contact hello@mylilyofthevalley.com.
This event marks a shift toward truly inclusive, health-focused work environments where unspoken topics are brought to the table and every employee is empowered to thrive.
