Workplace culture is evolving, and proving to be a differentiator that defines how organizations attract talent, inspire innovation, and sustain performance. At the heart of a thriving workplace culture is a people-first approach that prioritizes flexibility, mental health, and employee well-being.
Why Workplace Flexibility Matters
Our recent flexible work survey makes it clear: workplace flexibility has shifted from perk to expectation. Hybrid and remote options allow employees to balance professional and personal responsibilities, boosting both satisfaction and performance.
But flexibility isn’t just about location. It’s about creating intentional moments that build trust, encourage autonomy, and empower people to adapt and grow. A people-first culture recognizes that flexibility is the foundation for resilience, loyalty, and stronger performance. When employees are trusted to work in ways that fit their lives, they can bring their best selves to work to unlock creativity, focus, and innovation.
How Can Organizations Promote Mental Health in the Workplace?
Our mental health survey revealed growing concerns among U.S. workers about stress, burnout, and confidence. Addressing employees and mental health requires more than acknowledgment, it requires strategy.
That means normalizing conversations, training managers to spot warning signs, and providing access to support. As Inmar associate Christy Garber reminds us, self-care is a strength, and employees do better when putting mental health and well-being first. A people-first culture removes stigma and makes mental health part of the everyday conversation, creating space for employees to show up with confidence and perform at their full potential.
What are Examples of Employee Well-Being Initiatives?
Employee well-being initiatives now extend far beyond gym memberships. Holistic programs that address physical, emotional, and financial health reinforce that employees are whole people, not just job titles. When well-being is built into workplace culture, employees feel valued and supported, and that support translates into higher engagement, stronger collaboration, and the ability to unlock their best selves at work.
At Inmar, our Beliefs, Standards, and Values (BSVs) provide the foundation for culture, but often the best examples of values in action come from associates themselves. That’s exactly the story of Stronger Together, a wellness community that began as a small Couch-to-5K group and has since grown 1,800% in three years, with members across departments and locations. In fact, 86% of members report feeling more connected at Inmar.
Beyond the numbers, Stronger Together shows that grassroots, associate-led efforts can shape culture in lasting ways. It’s proof that when employees lead with purpose, accountability, and community, workplace culture thrives.
The Role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Stories like Stronger Together show how employee resource groups (ERGs) and grassroots communities fuel workplace culture. ERGs provide safe spaces for connection, accountability, and growth, proving that culture grows stronger when it’s energized, not engineered.
When organizations support these communities, they amplify belonging, reinforce values, and demonstrate that employees ’voices and communities are central to culture.
World Mental Health Day: A Call to Action
World Mental Health Day on October 10 reminds us that mental health is universal. For companies, it’s also a chance to pause and ask: how well are we supporting employees? Leaders can use this moment to spotlight employee well-being benefits, reaffirm flexibility, and celebrate the ERGs and associate-led groups that bring workplace culture to life.
Stronger Workplace Culture for a Stronger Future
The future of workplace culture lies at the intersection of flexibility, mental health and wellness, and community. Organizations that embrace a people-first culture, expand employee well-being initiatives, and empower ERGs won’t just adapt to the future of work — they’ll define it by creating environments where employees unlock their best selves, and business performance follows.