Foundever launches ‘safe space’ series

Global customer experience (CX) leader Foundever® has rolled out Safe Space, a new internal engagement series in the Philippines designed to foster inclusivity, build empathy and empower employees through open dialogue on identity, allyship and workplace belonging.

Spearheaded by the company’s employee resource groups (ERGs)—Pride at Foundever, Women at Foundever, and Disability at Foundever — the initiative builds on a previous program called She Speaks. The new series widens the lens to include more voices and intersectional conversations, with each ERG leading monthly episodes that spotlight topics relevant to their communities.

“At Foundever, we understand that people are at the heart of performance,” said Willy Lim, Vice President for HR, Marketing and Talent Acquisition at Foundever in the Philippines. “Initiatives like Safe Space allow us to demonstrate, not just declare, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

The pilot episode, hosted by Pride at Foundever, explored the role of friendships between LGBTQIA+ employees and allies in creating a psychologically safe work environment. It drew participation from leaders and team members who shared personal insights into the value of authenticity at work.

Khim Anthony Astillar, a Learning Specialist at Foundever, said her involvement in the episode was motivated by a desire to model what inclusive leadership looks like from the start of an employee’s journey. “A true safe space is something you can feel,” she said during the discussion. She emphasized that creating a culture of belonging needs to begin at onboarding, and she sees the Safe Space platform to reinforce that commitment.

Operations Manager Gail Aluyen also took part in the episode, citing her advocacy for inclusivity as a key reason for joining. She described the experience as both reflective and energizing, noting how the exchange of personal stories among colleagues helped deepen trust. “When we allow each other to speak from the heart,” she said, “we build trust—and trust is foundational to any inclusive culture.”

Fellow Operations Manager Rustilyn Cruz echoed those sentiments, sharing that the episode allowed her to contribute to a broader culture of awareness and respect. She pointed to the session’s focus on education and open dialogue as instrumental in strengthening team cohesion. “Safe Spaces empower people to show up fully,” she noted, “and initiatives like this help drive change in a meaningful, sustainable way.”

The second episode in the series, organized by Women at Foundever, tackled the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), continuing the program’s mission of promoting respectful and inclusive work environments.

By creating a structured space for honest and often difficult conversations, Safe Space has become a cornerstone of the internal culture-building efforts at Foundever. With additional episodes planned throughout the year, the program reinforces the company’s long-term strategy of fostering employee engagement and cultivating a values-driven workplace. PR