In each edition we delve into the minds of those who are redefining the boundaries of health. Our goal is to share the insights and stories of those leading the way to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for everyone.

In the first edition of 2024 I have been speaking to Elina Vale, CEO and Co-Founder of Essence who is shaking up the world of women’s health in the work place.

What is the problem you have identified that you are trying to solve with Essence?

Companies fail to provide resources and support to menstruating employees. A recent UK study found that more than two-thirds of women have bad work experiences due to periods, and over 90% of women and people with cycles suffer from cycle-related pain, yet a staggering 95% lack access to workplace resources to manage these issues effectively. They’re not telling anyone about it due to the stigma associated with menstruation at work and in society as a whole. All of this leads to a 33% productivity loss due to absenteeism and presenteeism.

This is precisely why we decided to build the Essence App, which uses smart algorithms and AI to enhance performance by optimizing social calendars, work tasks, diet, and exercise routines according to the menstrual cycle. By doing so, Essence aims to enhance overall performance and well-being in the workplace.

Menstrual health is a topic which has long been brushed under the carpet. Could you tell us the importance of raising awareness and educating people on the change needed on this subject?

At Essence, we like to say that knowledge about our hormonal health is like having an instruction manual for life. If we learn to become in tune with the dynamic nature of the menstrual cycle, we can use this to schedule particular events in alignment with it. Research increasingly supports the idea that certain phases of the menstrual cycle may be more conducive to performing certain tasks. Essence aims to help individuals leverage their cycle to perform better and feel better both at work and in their personal lives, which is critically important in a time when we still observe a wide gender well-being gap between men and women at work.

And this topic is not just relevant for women. A big part of our work is getting men on board, especially because men are often the decision-makers for which benefits are offered to employees at work. Men are surrounded by people who menstruate, and we believe that menstrual health education has the power to improve their relationships. By actively engaging in menstrual health conversations, men can foster trust, open communication, and equal opportunities. Equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender, benefit men because when gender equality is the norm, they will, among other things, live longer, gain career freedom without facing discrimination for pursuing traditionally female-dominated roles, and improve their mental and physical health. And finally, menstrual health awareness can boost team productivity and morale. By acknowledging and accommodating menstrual cycles, we can optimize work schedules, energy levels, and performance for all team members, leading to increased productivity and better outcomes for the entire team.

How are you going about changing policy and partnering with policy makers to achieve change in how we support menstrual health?

Essence partners with menstrual health consultants and advocates who are at the forefront of sparking change in menstrual health policy. We work closely with world-renowned menstrual health experts, like our advisor, Danielle Keiser of Madami and Menstrual Health Hub, who is one of the architects of the definition of “menstrual health” in 2021. Can you believe we didn’t have a definition of this before 2021? Our partnerships allow Essence to contribute to the conversation and influence policy changes that support menstrual health in the workplace and beyond.

How do we create the cultural shift necessary in the workplace to ensure menstrual health is given the focus it deserves?

Essence has chosen a business-to-business strategy to promote inclusive work environments that enable women to integrate menstrual health practices seamlessly into their professional lives. By partnering with companies that have diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and advocating for menstrual health awareness in the workplace, Essence works to ensure that women can effectively apply their knowledge of menstrual health and cycle syncing in their work environment. This approach benefits both individuals and companies by leveraging the powers of the menstrual cycle to enhance productivity and well-being. Our baseline studies with pilots indicate a huge lack of education about menstrual health (especially as it affects work life). So a big part of our approach is education to help raise the level of awareness and empower employees with knowledge.

Please tell us what the future looks like for menstrual health and the impact of not focusing on this now?

We often make the analogy that “menstrual health is the new mental health” in corporate settings. Similar to the recent prioritization of mental health at work, Essence envisions a parallel shift, already evident in countries like Spain and the UK, recognizing menstrual health as a crucial aspect of overall well-being.

The future of menstrual health is integral to the future of work. Companies increasingly recognize the importance of menstrual health in their benefits packages as they seek to attract and retain diverse talent. Investing in menstrual health resources not only aligns with the growing demand for menstrual workplace policies, which are supported by 78% of US workers, but also contributes to creating inclusive and supportive work environments. By focusing on menstrual health now, companies can position themselves to adapt to changing workforce expectations and contribute to a more equitable and productive work culture.

Please tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

In 2023 I performed my first-ever “startup comedy” set. It turns out, there is a lot of joy and humour in a startup founder’s journey, and every founder has a bunch of entertaining stories. Who knew entrepreneurship and punchlines had so much in common?