Leading with Intention at Panasonic North America

Recharging oneself physically and mentally is a vital component of a healthy, high-performing workplace. This mindset is championed by leadership at Panasonic. For Almeida, building a culture where employees can thrive begins with a deep commitment to work-life integration. “When we step away from work, we return with renewed focus, enhanced creativity and greater perspective. Regular breaks prevent burnout while building stronger relationships both inside and outside the workplace. Prioritizing rest isn’t selfish; it’s essential for sustainable success and fulfillment in both your career and personal life,” Almeida shares.

This intentional approach has shaped how employees at every level experience their work – and their time off.

Built for Balance at Panasonic Avionics

PAC meets this seasonal shift with a culture designed to help employees step away from work with confidence, knowing they’re backed by policy and leadership. "We encourage everyone to take the time they need to rest, recharge and focus on what matters most. Our time off policies are designed to be flexible and supportive, promoting a healthy balance between work and life for all employees," shares Kiefer.

Even with time off available, the ability to truly unplug can be a challenge in today’s always-connected world. That’s why PAC emphasizes intentional disconnection, starting with simple habits like leaving work devices behind during PTO. Leadership sets the tone. Kiefer points to senior leaders who model disconnection by refraining from emails or chats while on holiday. “One senior leader explained how when they are on holiday and unplugged, it's a great opportunity for their employees to step in and provide guidance to colleagues. It shows they are capable of assuming a leadership role in their manager’s absence,” comments Kiefer.

While some teams face challenges that make it harder to step away, even small breaks are encouraged. “A long weekend or a day away can make all the difference in returning refreshed and ready to jump back in,” Kiefer notes.

Walking the Talk

The PAC HR teams model this unplugged mindset with initiatives like Focus on You time – two hours each Friday reserved for personal growth or self-care. “Having this time blocked ensures we don’t get over-booked and can truly focus on what we need that week,” says Kiefer. And the cherry on top?  Employees must receive manager approval before bringing their laptops on vacation – a unique policy that encourages true disconnection.

Whether you’re heading off to a vacation, planning a backyard staycation or simply carving out a few quiet hours to recharge, remember time off isn’t a perk – it’s part of how we do our best work. That work is taking care of yourself so all of life’s other responsibilities can flow as seamlessly as possible. With leaders setting the example and policies designed to support unplugging, Panasonic makes it clear that recharging isn’t optional, it’s expected.

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