Better Medicine Case Study: Reconnecting a Fully Remote Team

How do you keep a fully remote team connected when colleagues live in different countries – and some of them in a war zone? Better Medicine, a medical software company with 20 employees across Estonia, Ukraine, the UK and Spain, used YuMuuv challenges to tackle isolation and bring the team closer. This case study shows what they did and what they learned.

At a Glance

• Company: Better Medicine, radiology software that helps detect cancer in CT scans
• Team: 20 employees, fully remote, in Estonia, Ukraine, the UK and Spain
• Led by: Kadri Tõnnisson, Operations and Compliance Manager
• Challenges: a walking challenge, then at-home "fitness minutes" challenges

The Challenge: Isolation in a Remote Team

Better Medicine has been remote from the start, but over time it became harder to keep a sense of community. Kadri noticed signs of isolation and lower engagement. An internal survey confirmed it: many employees felt disconnected from their colleagues, which affected their job satisfaction and productivity.

Step 1: A Walking Challenge With a Twist

The first initiative was a step challenge – but it quickly became more than counting steps. Team members noticed new things in their surroundings and shared photos from their walks, which sparked conversation and friendly competition.

Step 2: Adapting for Everyone

The walking challenge also surfaced an important lesson: colleagues in Ukraine couldn't always go outside because of safety concerns. Better Medicine and YuMuuv quickly adapted, introducing "fitness minutes" challenges that could be done safely at home. Everyone could take part, regardless of location or circumstances.

Technology That Fits Everyone

YuMuuv connected with the fitness trackers and apps employees already used, and manual entry meant people without smart devices could join too. Team members highlighted how easy the app was to use and how much fun it added to their daily routine.

Results

• Better morale and engagement across the remote team.
• Stronger connection: employees reported feeling closer to their colleagues.
• Lasting commitment: Better Medicine plans more varied challenges, including mental wellbeing and sleep.

Key Takeaways for Remote Teams

1. Listen first. A short survey revealed the real problem: isolation.
2. Add a social element such as sharing photos from walks.
3. Check that everyone can take part – and adapt quickly when they can't. Activity minutes at home are a good alternative to outdoor steps; see our indoor activity ideas.
4. Plan beyond movement with mindfulness and sleep challenges.

Read our guides on wellness challenges for remote workers and how to engage remote employees. More stories: case studies. Book a demo to bring your remote team together.