Over the last few years, the way we all work has changed tremendously. The “hustle culture” that once symbolised commitment has slowly started to show its side effects in all areas of our life like, on health, motivation, and overall happiness. I have seen people putting in long hours, skipping breaks, and constantly staying connected, believing it makes them more productive. But in reality, this constant pace often leads to exhaustion and burnout.

At Outbooks, we realised that it was time to break this cycle and build a culture that values both productivity and peace of mind.
It starts with small, conscious changes, helping our employees set healthy boundaries. We keep reminding our teams that it’s okay to log out on time, take proper lunch breaks, and disconnect after work. Our focus has shifted from counting hours to focusing on meaningful output.

We do believe in balance and respect for personal time. Simple practices like offering limited flexibility in start and finish times, and encouraging short breaks are our way of saying, “we trust you.” These are not rules; they’re reminders that we value people’s time and energy.

Supporting mental health has also become a key part of our approach. We hold small group sessions and private check-ins where employees can talk openly about stress or personal challenges. Over time, we have noticed that people are becoming more comfortable speaking about mental health, which, to me, is one of the most meaningful cultural shifts we have achieved.

Physical well-being is another area we take seriously. Sitting for long hours can take a toll on both the body and mind. We encourage team members to take short walks, stretch, or simply step away from the desk for a few minutes. These small actions go a long way in keeping energy levels up and stress levels down.

Building a culture of trust and flexibility has also been crucial. While our operations are structured, given the nature of accounting work, we aim to give our people reasonable autonomy in how they deliver results. The goal is simple: to make work fit into life, not the other way around.

Finally, no well-being culture is complete without recognition. People feel more connected when their efforts are seen and appreciated. We try to keep communication open, celebrating wins, giving feedback, and listening when someone has an idea or concern. This two-way trust strengthens the bond between employees and the organisation.
In the end, employee well-being isn’t just a policy, it’s a mindset. At Outbooks, we are continuously learning, evolving, and reminding ourselves that when people feel cared for, they perform at their best.