SAVANNAH, GA – September 17, 2024 – Naturals2Go, a leader in the unattended retail, breakroom experience and vending industry, is unveiling a series of meaningful initiatives designed to foster connection, creativity, and care within its workforce. These initiatives reflect Naturals2Go’s commitment to cultivating an environment where both personal and professional growth are prioritized, helping the quickly growing company hold its position as an organization that simply values its employees with as much care as its customers. It just does business differently.
Innovation In Action
Naturals2Go is known for innovating the vending industry by offering the only proven program to enhance or improve income, investment or future wealth through a part-time or full-time vending machine business. They have changed the industry again by developing regional operations centers and a wider range of services.
To do so, Naturals2Go has grown from 20 to 140 employees over the past four years. To help the team stay successful and cared for through this rapid expansion, Naturals2Go executives have introduced three new programs.
These exciting initiatives enhance the quality of life, not just work, for employees — whether they are one of the 100 remote members of the team or in one of the company’s regional operations centers (ROCs).
“You don’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, ‘in it’ all the time. Taking time for yourself is essential to maintaining a healthy balance,” says Heath Falzarano, President of Naturals2Go.
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- Refresh2Go: This initiative gives employees one specific (paid) Friday each month, at the same time, to step away from work to recharge however they wish.
- Vision2Go: Every Wednesday, employees have a mandatory day of no meetings — a day dedicated to creative thinking, process improvement, and strategic planning. This initiative helps individuals and teams take a breather from day-to-day demands and see the bigger picture to guide improvements from ideas to efficiencies.
- Water Cooler Chats: Recognizing the challenges faced by a dispersed workforce, Naturals2Go has also implemented two daily 15-minute water cooler chats. These optional sessions are designed purely for social interaction – to connect with peers and strengthen the company’s culture of care and community.
Why These Initiatives Matter
Falzarano emphasizes his personal belief around caring for those in the organization as much as customer, “You don’t have a lot of time in your life, so breathe life back into your time” also stating “we get to help people make a really good living while also letting them live a really good life.”
The importance of these initiatives is underscored by industry trends. A 2022 Deloitte survey revealed that 91% of workers report stress or anxiety impacts the quality of their work, leading more companies to introduce mental health days and flexible work arrangements. Similarly, a 2023 McKinsey & Company report “The Great Exhaustion” identified that 49% of employees feel burned out. The American Psychological Association (APA) noted that 79% of employees experience work-related stress, 81% of employees will be looking for workplaces that support their mental health in future jobs, but those with access to wellness programs are far less likely to suffer from high stress.
These trends highlight the growing need for companies to prioritize employee well-being. Falzarano has championed these initiatives at Naturals2Go, believing that a healthy, supported workforce is crucial to the company’s long-term success. “Encouraging people to just breathe – to step away from work and know you can enjoy what you have without worry you have to be “in it” all the time – is what we’re trying to do here,” Falzarano explains. “Nothing bad is going to happen by taking care of yourself a bit more. I know we can do what we need to do in less time, more focus, and just feel better.”
A Subtle Shift in Business Standards
Naturals2Go’s approach is part of a broader movement that is quietly redefining industry standards. By focusing on employee well-being and success, the company is not just responding to current trends but also setting an example for others in any industry. This approach aligns with findings from the Harvard Business Review, which reported that employees who have one “no meeting day” have 35% increased productivity. That increases to 71% more likely to feel productive with two “no meeting days” when they have dedicated time for deep, focused work. This is a principle Naturals2Go actively supports through initiatives like Vision2Go and a suggestion to cut all meeting times by half where possible.
Living Our Values
At Naturals2Go, rejuvenation and strategic focus are seen as keys to both personal and professional success. By providing the tools, opportunities, and encouragement needed to thrive, the company ensures that its employees can excel without losing sight of what truly matters—mental health, wellness, family, and friends. This focus on well-being and connection not only benefits Naturals2Go’s employees but also strengthens its position as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.
About Naturals2Go
Naturals2Go is the leading unattended retail, breakroom experience and vending business opportunity in the United States and a trusted partner helping entrepreneurial-minded professionals grow for over 35 years. Naturals2Go is an innovator in healthy and intelligent vending and is the highest-rated Vending Business Opportunity Company in the United States. The company is expanding with regional operations centers across the U.S. and an expanded suite of services plus a commitment to regional investment, local employment, and community impact.