Author: Gabriella Mayhew, Consulting Solutions Benefits Coordinator
Early 2020 brought a sudden shift to what was initially thought to be a short-term remote work climate. Fast forward to 2025, and our company has embraced a fully remote work schedule, providing office space only for those who prefer a hybrid setup. While this shift brought many logistical challenges, which we navigated with optimism, the real evolution came in how we care for our people’s mental wellbeing. Supporting employee mental health now extends beyond benefits packages – it’s about the culture we are intentionally creating.
The Remote Reality: Emerging Mental Health Challenges
While many have found increased productivity and job satisfaction through the flexibility and autonomy of remote work, this new environment also presents unique challenges. Employees face isolation, a higher risk of burnout, and blurred lines between work and personal life. External distractions from home dynamics and ongoing digital fatigue add to the mental strain remote work can bring.
Evolving Our Approach: Building a Culture of Wellbeing
To meet the demands of this new virtual climate, we knew a change was needed in how we actively support our employees’ wellbeing. Without regular in-person networking events, happy hours, or group outings, we had to reinvent how we foster company culture. Over the past two years, our HR and Benefits team has introduced creative and intentional initiatives to support holistic wellness. Here are a few highlights:
Monthly Wellness Program
Each month, we offer programming our employees look forward to. We focus on holistic themes that address mental, physical, emotional, and financial health. Participation is rewarded with incentive prizes, just for showing up.
Virtual Challenges and Engagements
All of our wellness activities are offered virtually, ensuring accessibility for everyone. We host live webinars with expert speakers and organize creative challenges like our Step Challenge, Sleep Program, Digital Detox Nature Scavenger Hunt, Finance-Focused Virtual Escape Room, and Collaborative Cookbook. These initiatives provide practical education and encourage employees to develop sustainable healthy habits.
Increased HR Presence in Operational Team Meetings
Our HR team regularly joins team calls to share wellness updates and remind employees of resources like our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This consistent presence reinforces wellness as a cultural pillar and builds stronger communication between HR and employees.
Employee Feedback Loops
We gather feedback through regular surveys on our benefits and wellness initiatives. Employees have the opportunity to speak openly and anonymously, helping us continuously evolve our offerings based on their needs.
Our daily priority is recognizing that wellbeing is not a perk but instead a core part of who we are. We are committed to meeting employees where they are, even if that’s on a video call from their living room.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Mental Wellness in a Remote World
We’ve laid the groundwork for embedding wellness into our company fabric, but the work is far from over. To ensure wellness remains a strong cultural pillar, our vision for the future includes:
Training for Managers
We aim to empower our managers to lead by example. Providing additional training to help recognize and discuss mental health issues will bridge the potential gaps created by isolation and burnout.
Modeling from the Top
Leadership participation in wellness programs emphasizes the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health. When leaders create space for balance and connection, it sets the tone for the entire organization.
Peer-to-Peer Support Opportunities
One of the greatest cultural challenges in a remote environment is human connection. Implementing things like virtual buddy programs, wellness champions, and employee resource groups (ERGs) such as Women’s Leadership ERG, Young Professionals ERG, Mental Health & Wellbeing ERG, and Sustainability & Impact ERG, can meaningful opportunities for employees to feel a sense of belonging.
Normalizing Mental Health Conversations
We strive to reduce stigma by fostering open, judgment-free conversations about mental health. Remote employees shouldn’t feel pressured to mask their personal challenges. A supportive culture allows employees to speak honestly with their managers and access resources when needed.
If we want a mentally well workforce, we must create a workplace where mental health is supported, modeled, and respected at every level. While we’ve made meaningful progress with our wellness programs and open communication, our work continues. Sustaining a culture of connection and compassion is critical. Our success as employers depends on how well we care for our people, and that care must be unwavering.