Insights from Tech4Eva Roadshow – Where Women's Health Meets Workplace Wellbeing
The Tech4Eva Roadshow, in partnership with Promotion Santé Suisse, recently brought together decision-makers, business leaders, Human Resource Managers, DEI specialists, and Workplace Health professionals to explore the critical intersection of women’s health and business performance. The event provided valuable insights into how addressing women's health issues can enhance workplace wellness, employee productivity, and retention. Attendees gained access to tailored resources and networking opportunities designed to help them take immediate action in their organizations.
About Promotion Santé Suisse:
Operating under a legal mandate, Health Promotion Switzerland initiates, coordinates, and evaluates health promotion and disease prevention measures across the country. Their mission is to support stakeholders in creating environments and behaviors conducive to good health, strengthening the wellbeing of individuals throughout Switzerland. By fostering collaborations and providing practical tools, Promotion Santé Suisse ensures that people and organizations alike are empowered to lead healthier lives.
At the Tech4Eva Roadshow, 16 of Tech4Eva’s start-ups showcased their cutting-edge innovations in women’s health to a diverse audience of business leaders and professionals. These start-ups are at the forefront of addressing critical health challenges women face today, particularly in the workplace.
Speakers:
- Ellen Kocher: Economist & Corporate Health Consultant, Swiss Health Promotion & Whealthness
- Vanessa Bensemhoun: Management Member & Head of Organizational Transformation, Groupe Mutuel
- Christian Alexander Herbst: Director, Parrtner AG
A Spotlight on Women’s Health and the Workplace
Women's health and workplace wellbeing are deeply interconnected. Key health issues such as menopause, mental health challenges, and reproductive health significantly affect women's daily productivity and overall career longevity. It’s essential for companies to acknowledge and support their female employees, given that women make up nearly half of the workforce.
During the roadshow, Ellen Kocher, from Swiss Health Promotion emphasized the urgent need for companies to focus on holistic health strategies that address these gender-specific challenges. Data from the Swiss Job Stress Index indicates that 29% of employees feel consistently tired, and 51% struggle to balance resources and constraints, with women 60% more likely to suffer from job-related stress than men. These statistics highlight how workplace health initiatives can reduce stress, improve mental health, and prevent conditions such as burnout and heart disease, which disproportionately affect women.
Trends in Workplace Wellbeing
"Today, workplace wellbeing is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic priority. Mental and physical wellbeing, inclusivity, work-life balance — these are the pillars of a successful workplace that women need." – Ellen Kocher, Economist & Corporate Health Consultant, Swiss Health Promotion & Whealthness
Groupe Mutuel, the Co-Founder Partner of Tech4Eva is at the forefront of these changes. They support their predominantly female workforce with comprehensive maternity leave policies, breastfeeding rooms, and health education, including programs like the breast self-exam kits provided through partnerships with start-up Palpa from the Tech4Eva 2023 cohort and their internal Tech4Eva club where their female employees can discuss openly challenges they may face. These initiatives not only help retain female talent but also foster an inclusive, supportive environment for all employees.
"We provide a maternity guide and offer 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. We’ve also created breastfeeding rooms in the workplace to ensure that mothers can continue breastfeeding for as long as they wish. These initiatives show our commitment to creating a supportive workplace for women’s well-being." - Vanessa Bensemhoun, Management Member & Head of Organizational Transformation, Groupe Mutuel
Tools and Resources for SMEs
A key feature of the event was the discussion on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can implement cost-effective wellbeing programs. Contrary to popular belief, SMEs can achieve significant impact by promoting mental and physical health with minimal financial investment. Swiss Health Promotion, for example, offers free tools such as the Job Stress Analysis and the Friendly Workspace label, which companies can use to assess and improve their workplace wellbeing practices.
These resources are particularly valuable for entrepreneurs, who face high levels of stress due to the unique pressures of running a business. For women in leadership, especially those juggling family responsibilities, the support of a wellbeing-focused workplace is crucial.
Christian Alexander Herbst, Director, Parrtner AG, highlighted that leadership plays a critical role in promoting sustainable wellbeing practices. He emphasized that “Leaders need to walk the talk. For wellbeing initiatives to be effective, they have to be integrated into the culture, starting from the top."
Conclusion
Femtech is not just about innovation in women’s healthcare; it’s about reshaping the future of work for women. By recognizing the importance of women's health in the workplace, companies can drive higher retention rates, increase productivity, and create a more supportive, inclusive work culture. As the movement grows, the benefits for both individuals and organizations are undeniable — healthier women mean healthier workplaces.
Resources and tools
- Job Stress Analysis (Partial Financing SME* : CHF3000)
- Check GSE 12 minutes online (Partial financing SME* : CHF1500)
- Brochure Psychological Health for Women
- Info Sheet 72: Job Stress Index 2022
Watch the entire Roadshow