Fostering Remote Team Cohesion and Wellness at Better Medicine
Introduction
In the evolving landscape of work, companies increasingly rely on remote operations, posing unique challenges in maintaining employee wellness and team cohesion. Better Medicine, a pioneering medical software company, faced such challenges head-on. This case study explores their journey in partnership with YuMuuv to create a healthier, more connected remote work environment.
Better Medicine Background
Better Medicine specializes in developing cutting-edge software for radiology, specifically designed to detect cancer in CT scans. The company operates fully remotely with a dedicated team of 20 employees spread across various locations, including Estonia, Ukraine, UK and Spain. The challenges initiative was led by Kadri Tõnnisson, Operations and Compliance Manager.
Identifying the Challenge
Although the company has been remote from the start, they began to encounter hurdles in maintaining a sense of community and keeping team members engaged. Kadri noticed signs of isolation and decreased engagement among her team, which prompted a proactive approach to addressing these issues. A thorough internal survey revealed that many employees felt a lack of connection with their peers, which was affecting their overall job satisfaction and productivity. In response, Better Medicine turned to YuMuuv, a platform known for its innovative approach to employee wellness challenges.
Implementing Wellness Challenges
The first initiative was a step challenge, designed to encourage physical activity among team members. This challenge was not only about walking; it turned into an activity that included different activities such as noticing new aspects of the surroundings and sharing photos taken from walks among team members, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition. However, the challenge also surfaced critical learnings, particularly the difficulties faced by employees in Ukraine who could not participate in outdoor activities due to safety concerns.
Taking this feedback into account, Better Medicine and YuMuuv quickly adapted their strategy. They introduced 'fitness minutes' challenges that could be completed from the safety of one's home. These activities were designed to be inclusive, allowing all team members to participate regardless of their location or circumstances.
Technological Integration and Feedback
YuMuuv’s platform allowed seamless integration of various fitness trackers and apps, enabling employees to easily participate in the challenges. The platform also supported manual entry, ensuring that those without smart devices could still engage with the activities. Feedback from the team was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the ease of use of the YuMuuv app and the fun element it brought to their daily routines.
Outcomes and Reflections
The wellness challenges significantly improved morale and engagement within Better Medicine. Employees reported feeling more connected to their colleagues and noted a positive shift in their mental health and overall job satisfaction. The success of these initiatives has led to a sustained commitment to wellness at Better Medicine, with plans to introduce more diverse challenges, including those focused on mental wellness and sleep.
Strategic Insights and Future Directions
The case study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of remote team management and the role of wellness programs in enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity. Better Medicine’s ongoing partnership with YuMuuv showcases a successful model for other remote-centric companies looking to improve their work culture.
Conclusion
Better Medicine’s experience illustrates the transformative impact of integrating structured wellness challenges into remote work practices. As companies continue to navigate the complexities of remote work, partnerships like that between Better Medicine and YuMuuv offer a roadmap for fostering an engaged, healthy, and productive workforce.
