How I learned to build a thriving culture, not a surviving one

The relentless founder mindset is a cornerstone of startup culture. Visionaries like Elon Musk and Marissa Mayer have proven that grueling work schedules can propel a business forward. However, the relentless hustle culture mindset isn't solely a Silicon Valley invention. Thomas Edison’s views on sleep as a "criminal waste of time" hint at the pursuit of success at any cost.

It’s feasible to launch a company on minimal rest, as numerous founders have done successfully. Yet, maintaining this sprint for an extended period can lead to challenges. My own company, BetterMe, has expanded to an all-inclusive well-being ecosystem housing over 800 employees. While I remain ambitious, I no longer believe that commitment and exhaustion are inseparable.

Thriving businesses can emerge without perpetually pushing everyone to the brink of survival. Workplace wellness initiatives have long been a staple in companies, big or small. However, many organizations still struggle to align wellness benefits with daily work routines. The disconnect between business objectives and well-being programs is evident.

Exhausted employees tend to make poorer decisions, miss out on opportunities, exhibit reduced patience, and hinder collaboration. Research from McKinsey and Oxford supports this, linking improved employee health and well-being to higher productivity. Beyond productivity, thriving employees are more engaged, take fewer sick days, and are less likely to seek new job opportunities.

To integrate well-being into the workday, one must rethink the workday itself. Implementing accessible movement opportunities, such as walking paths for meetings and in-office workouts, can help. Fostering a broad definition of health that accommodates various preferences helps employees find enjoyable activities. Encouraging a sense of community through wellness challenges can also boost engagement.

By organizing challenges, tracking progress, and fostering friendly competition, teams can develop consistent healthy habits. Leaders seeking to enhance well-being within their organizations should focus on three key aspects: fostering teamwork, leading by example, and measuring well-being. Encouraging group activities, like joint workouts, creates a supportive environment.

Leading by example demonstrates the importance of self-care. Finally, tracking well-being metrics alongside business KPIs allows for early identification of potential issues. In summary, building a successful company is a marathon, not a series of sprints. Leaders must ensure a balance between pushing boundaries and allowing for recovery.