Moving Beyond the Screen: How Physical Activity Supports Wellbeing and Team Connection at Scio 

In today’s technology environment, long hours in front of a screen are part of the job. Developers move between deep focus, problem-solving, meetings, and asynchronous collaboration across time zones. Over time, this constant mental load can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing, especially when there is little space to disconnect. At Scio, we support in wellbeing because our collaborators’ health, balance, and quality of life matter. Supporting people intentionally—inside and outside of work—is part of who we are. That belief shapes how we approach culture and wellbeing. Physical activity plays a meaningful role in our developer mental fitness strategies, as a way to support healthier, more balanced lives.

Mental Fitness as Part of Overall Wellbeing

Software development is mentally demanding. Developers navigate complexity, ambiguity, and constant change. Without proper balance, this can lead to mental fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and disconnection—not only from work, but from personal life as well. At Scio, we approach mental fitness first and foremost as a health topic. Physical activity supports emotional regulation, mental clarity, and stress management, helping people feel better in their daily lives. When collaborators feel healthier and more balanced, positive outcomes naturally follow—but those outcomes are a result, not the goal.

Movement as Space for Recovery and Balance

Encouraging movement is not about routines, metrics, or expectations. It’s about creating space. Physical activity gives people a chance to step away from the screen, reconnect with their bodies, and clear their minds. For many, it becomes a moment to breathe, reset, and create healthier boundaries between work, personal time, and social life. From a people and culture perspective, this is about prevention and care. Supporting movement helps reduce burnout risk and promotes more sustainable rhythms—where work fits into life.

Scio Active: Moving Together, Wherever We Are

Scio Active is one of our core wellbeing initiatives and a reflection of this people-first mindset. Twice a year, we run Scio Active as a 12-week challenge open to all Scio collaborators, regardless of role, location, or fitness level. Each participant defines a personal goal that fits their own life and circumstances. Walking, running, yoga, cycling, gym workouts—any form of movement is valid. What matters is not intensity or performance. It’s participation. By sharing the same challenge timeline, collaborators across different countries and cities become part of a shared experience. This creates distributed team connection through movement, helping people feel included and connected even in remote and nearshore environments.

Team Sports: Connection Beyond Work

In addition to individual initiatives, Scio supports weekly football and padel activities. These spaces are intentionally informal and human.

They are not about competition or results, but about:

• Spending time together outside of work
• Building genuine relationships
• Encouraging teamwork, support, and camaraderie

These activities help people connect beyond job titles and responsibilities, strengthening trust and creating a stronger sense of belonging.

Wellbeing as a Foundation for Feeling Good at Work

Physical activity also supports mental wellbeing by offering a healthy way to disconnect from work pressures. Moving the body, socializing, and sharing moments with teammates help reduce stress and support emotional balance. By focusing on health, mental wellbeing, and social connection, we aim to improve quality of life first. When people feel better in their lives, feeling better at work becomes a natural outcome.

Cultural Alignment in Nearshore Software Teams

At Scio, wellbeing initiatives are not isolated programs—they are part of our culture. Whether someone works onsite, remotely, or as part of a nearshore team, they experience the same commitment to care, balance, and human connection. This consistency strengthens cultural alignment in nearshore software teams, ensuring that everyone feels supported and included, regardless of location.

A Human-Centered Perspective for Technology Leaders

For technology leaders evaluating nearshore partners, culture and wellbeing reflect how a company treats its people. At Scio, we believe great software is built by people who feel healthy, balanced, and connected. By fostering physical activity and genuine human connection, we support our collaborators as people first—and that care naturally reflects in the work they do.