Responding to Shifting Expectations

Employee expectations around wellbeing have evolved significantly. “There is an added emphasis today on wellbeing and balance,” Barbara explains. Beyond traditional benefits like healthcare and retirement savings, people are seeking support for mental health, flexibility in work/life balance and opportunities for professional growth that align with where they are in their life.

In response, Panasonic has taken a proactive approach to integrating wellbeing into the employee experience. “For 2025, we’re expanding mental health resources, enhancing flexible work policies, and providing professional development programs that resonate with employees at different life stages. Our approach centers on viewing wellbeing as a holistic, adaptable initiative that meets the diverse needs of our workforce,” Barbara shares.

Addressing Modern Challenges

The complexities of today’s workplace, from hybrid work dynamics to mental health awareness and evolving family needs, require tailored solutions. Barbara explains, “We’ve implemented flexible scheduling options and provided tools to maintain connection and productivity, whether employees are working remotely or on-site. For mental health, we’ve expanded access to counseling services, stress management resources, and mental health awareness training for managers.” Additionally, Panasonic has enhanced parental leave policies, caregiving support, and family-friendly benefits with the goal of creating an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to navigate these challenges without compromising their wellbeing or contributions at work.

Leadership and Peer Support

Leadership and peer relationships are integral to fostering a culture of holistic wellbeing. “Leaders set the tone by modeling healthy behaviors, prioritizing wellbeing, and encouraging open conversations about challenges their team members may be facing,” Barbara emphasizes. “Peer support, meanwhile, builds a sense of community and shared understanding, which is especially important in hybrid or dispersed teams.” Together, leadership and peer support form a network of care and encouragement, which ensures everyone has not only the tools they need to thrive, but basic human connection as well.

Personalizing Wellbeing

Every individual’s wellbeing journey is unique, which is why personalization is at the heart of Panasonic’s approach. “We encourage employees to take advantage of tools like our Benefit Center, coaching sessions and wellness programs to identify their unique priorities and goals,” Barbara explains. “Our benefits are designed to be flexible, offering a range of options such as mental health support, fitness programs, financial planning tools and family-friendly perks. By empowering employees to take ownership of their wellbeing, we help them create a sustainable plan that aligns with their individual vision of success.”

Measuring Impact

As Panasonic looks to the future, measuring the impact of wellbeing initiatives remains a top priority. “We’re leveraging employee engagement surveys, health and wellness participation metrics, and productivity data to assess the effectiveness of our programs,” Barbara says. “This data-driven approach ensures our programs continue to deliver meaningful results for employees and the company alike.”