Remote team wellness: How we keep our crew happy and healthy
Giannis, Frank and Mantas from the development team.
The modern workplace is evolving. Gone are the days when constant hustle and burnout are seen as badges of honor. If you tell a friend you billed 60 hours this week, you’ll likely get a sympathetic cringe… not a high-five.
Today, we know that personal happiness is the key to professional success. But that doesn’t mean everyone is making moves to protect you from burnout.
For instance, a staggering 95% of HR leaders report feeling overwhelmed, with 81% experiencing burnout regularly, and nearly 58% of workers under 40 report high levels of job stress, contributing to a substantial rise in burnout rates.
At MailerLite, we strive to ensure our team knows they are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance. This is why we are dedicated to promoting well-being in a remote work environment. Here’s how we do it. →
Thoughtful scheduling
Our meeting policies are designed to respect everyone’s time and energy. We keep meetings concise and to the point, and we record them for those who cannot attend live, allowing everyone to catch up at their own pace. This flexibility ensures that our team members can manage their schedules without feeling overwhelmed.
Trust is at the core of our culture. We empower our team by setting clear expectations and giving them the autonomy to achieve their goals. We approach work with empathy, understanding that life can be unpredictable and that flexibility is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Need a day to rest? Don’t stress
Understanding that both our bodies and minds need to recharge, we have a comprehensive sick leave policy that supports our team during rough times. Whether you're in bed with a cold or need a mental health day, our policy ensures you can take the time you need to recover without stress.
With 12 days of sick leave per year (no doctor’s note required), we ensure our team feels confident they can rest when they need to. If someone on the team needs a bit more time off to take care of their health, 2 extra days can be added so you can truly make a full recovery.
We also understand that some of our team is also taking care of their little ones. That's why sick leave at MailerLite can also be used to take care of sick children, so parents can be there when they are needed the most.
Check out our parental benefits in our article, Parenting in a remote-first company: The Lite way.
It’s a relief to have the flexibility to use sick leave for myself when I need to recharge. Plus, as a parent, I appreciate being able to take it whenever I need to take care of my child when he's sick. This policy truly helps balance personal well-being and family responsibilities.
Visit the doctor, on us
For all the perks of working remotely, one key benefit is so often overlooked: Health insurance. At MailerLite, ensuring the health of our team was a no-brainer. Our comprehensive health insurance plan covers a range of services to help keep you at your best.
Whether you need a mental health boost or some physical care, we're dedicated to making sure our team feels great, no matter where they are.
Need to talk to someone? Our plan includes sessions with psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists.
Experiencing muscle pain? Visit a physical therapist, osteopath, masseuse and more! All covered by our remote health insurance.
As someone from the United States, I know how crucial it is to have proper healthcare and how stressful life can become without it. Not having to worry about this while working at MailerLite honestly provides such peace of mind!
Work remotely, wherever you feel your best
Remote work offers significant health benefits, as you get to choose your optimal work environment, which can significantly reduce stress levels. By working remotely, our MailerLite team can create a work-life balance that suits them best, from all over the world!
Read more about the benefits of remote work in our article: Embracing the new era of remote work: Finding your balance.
Working remotely has significantly enhanced my work-life balance and overall well-being. Being able to spend time with my family during breaks, including sharing lunches with them, is a priceless advantage. Furthermore, the flexibility to work from anywhere has been truly liberating. In the past, I’ve had the opportunity to work from scenic locations like Mexico, Bali, and Sri Lanka, which not only lifted my mood but also increased my productivity.
Travel, explore, and step away from the laptop
We truly believe in the importance of taking extended time off to fully disconnect and recharge. Our paid time off policy encourages team members to take the time they need to rest, rejuvenate, and come back feeling energized.
One of the ways we try to avoid burnout is by taking a mandatory 2 weeks of uninterrupted holidays per year, which means everyone takes 10 consecutive days off at some point each year to really disconnect.
Let’s not forget, we also encourage our team to take one day off every quarter with one goal in mind: just be creative. Our appropriately named “Creative days” have encouraged our team to get out of their comfort zone, learn something new, and have fun.
Check out some of the ways our team has spent their creative days in our article MailerLite Creative Days! 12 ideas that’ll make the most of them.
Taking extended time off each year has been transformative for me. It's not just about rest and discovering amazing destinations, it's about coming back with fresh perspectives and renewed enthusiasm. Allowing myself to fully disconnect is a dream made true thanks to MailerLite's culture and growth mindset.
Share #well-being tips, encouragement, and more
We have a dedicated #well-being channel on Slack where team members can support each other, share tips, and promote practices for a better life. This channel is a great resource for personal and professional growth and reminds us that we are all humans striving for better well-being.
One of our core values is taking responsibility, which includes managing our workloads, taking time off to recharge, and supporting each other in the process.
Taking care of business
Prioritizing well-being in the workplace does not have to be unconventional! As times change, taking care of our mental and physical health at work is more important than ever. Remember, healthy and happy team members = a thriving culture and company.
