By Helena Matamoros
The Rise of Remote Work
Remote work is no longer just a trend, it’s a major shift in how we work. In the first quarter of 2024, 22.9% of workers in the U.S. were teleworking, up from 19.6% the previous year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In Mexico, 42.1% of tech professionals prefer remote work, while 26.6% prefer a hybrid model, totaling 68.7% who favor some form of remote work (Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University).
While remote work offers the flexibility that employees crave, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection if not handled properly. This is why I’m passionate about ensuring we actively look after a culture where well-being is prioritized and employees feel truly supported.
How We Support Well-being at Scio
As someone deeply invested in our team’s growth, I’ve seen firsthand how prioritizing well-being leads to a thriving, connected, high-performing team. Here’s what we do at Scio to make sure our people feel empowered and cared for:
1. Regular Check-ins:
One of the key initiatives I’m most proud of at Scio is our monthly check-in meetings. These are not just any meetings, they are safe spaces where team members can share how they feel about their work, projects, and challenges. It’s through these conversations that potential issues are addressed early, and trust is built between peers and managers.
I’ll never forget when Nallely, one of our employees, shared how these one-on-one meetings made her feel heard and part of the team, even though she works remotely 100% of the time. Hearing that was truly gratifying, it reinforced the idea that creating spaces where employees feel valued and included is non-negotiable.
2. Promoting Work-Life Balance:
Work-life balance is something I’m incredibly passionate about. At Scio, we encourage employees to set boundaries between work and personal life. This includes offering flexible working hours and respecting off-hours communication. I’m always so happy to hear stories from our team about how much they appreciate having the time and space to recharge. It’s amazing seeing how well-rested happy employees are more productive and engaged.
3. Building Social Connections:
Even though we work remotely, we know that human connection is key. That’s why we host in-person events fully funded by Scio, which are not work events but opportunities for our team to bond, share experiences, and create memories. The sense of belonging these events promote is priceless, and they remind us all of the importance of connecting outside the office.
4. Encouraging Professional Development:
We are firm believers in continuous learning, and having a growth mindset is one of our core values. We support professional growth by offering access to online training programs, hybrid workshops, and a transparent performance review process that fosters both personal and professional development. Watching our employees grow in their careers is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job.
The Real Impact of Well-being Initiatives
These well-being initiatives aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They’re fundamental to creating an environment where employees succeed. When I see the positive impact that these efforts have on our team, I’m reminded of why we do what we do. Our employees are more connected, engaged, and productive and this translates into a more vibrant, successful company culture.
At Scio, our mission is simple: create an environment where our team feels supported, connected, valued, and heard. By prioritizing well-being through regular check-ins, social events, and promoting work-life balance, we’re addressing the unique challenges of remote work and ensuring that our team not only survives but succeeds.
I truly believe that prioritizing well-being is not just good for employees, it is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of any organization.
