Mission-Driven Companies That Let You Rest Easy
- MissionEB
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
If you're feeling a little sluggish today, National Public Sleeping Day might just be the excuse you need to sneak in a midday nap—preferably somewhere cozy (and legal). Whether it's a quick power nap at the park or a snooze on public transit, this day is all about embracing the art of the midday recharge.
But let’s be real: wouldn’t it be better if your job just gave you the time to rest in the first place? Some mission-driven organizations go beyond the occasional catnap and actually prioritize work-life balance, generous PTO, and flexible schedules so employees can truly recharge.
Here are a few mission-driven companies that believe in working hard and resting well:
1. Kickstarter – 4-Day Workweek
Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform that helps creatives bring projects to life, moved to a four-day workweek in 2022—without reducing pay. Their experiment in shorter workweeks proved that productivity and well-being can go hand in hand.
2. Patagonia – Sabbaticals & Paid Time Off
Patagonia has long been known for its employee-first policies. The outdoor brand, which operates as a B Corp, provides two months of paid sabbatical after working for the company for five years. They also encourage employees to surf, hike, and get outside during work hours!
3. Buffer – Unlimited PTO
Buffer, a social media management company with a remote-first workforce, offers unlimited PTO—plus they strongly encourage employees to actually use it (many companies offer unlimited PTO but make it difficult to take time off). Employees at Buffer regularly take three to four weeks off per year.
4. The Energy Project – Work Smarter, Rest Smarter
The Energy Project, a consulting firm dedicated to helping companies create more human-friendly workplaces, actually teaches organizations the importance of rest and recovery. Naturally, they practice what they preach by giving employees the flexibility to take breaks and recharge.
5. Basecamp – 30-Hour Workweeks in the Summer
Basecamp, known for its project management software and remote work advocacy, shifts to a 30-hour workweek during the summer months—while keeping pay the same. They also offer three weeks of paid vacation and a one-month sabbatical every three years.
6. Mozilla Foundation – Paid Volunteer Time Off
Mozilla Foundation, the nonprofit arm behind the Firefox browser, encourages employees to unplug and give back with paid volunteer time off (VTO). That means employees can take time to rest while also supporting causes they care about.
7. Thrive Global – Work & Well-Being Culture
Thrive Global, founded by Arianna Huffington, is built on the idea that burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Their workplace policies focus on mental wellness, ample PTO, and company-wide recharge days to prevent stress and exhaustion.
8. Etsy – Company-Wide Time Off
Etsy, the global online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, prioritizes employee wellness by closing their offices for a full week, twice a year, giving their entire team time to rest and recharge. Employees also get generous PTO and can work remotely.
9. Bolt – Fridays Off, Every Other Week
Bolt, an e-commerce checkout company, introduced a four-day workweek every other week and found that it helped boost employee engagement and prevent burnout. They also offer unlimited PTO to encourage a healthy balance.
10. Treehouse – Work-Life Balance Focused on Learning
Treehouse, an online coding education company, believes in giving employees the flexibility to learn and grow. They offer flexible work schedules, generous PTO, and professional development stipends so employees can continuously improve—without sacrificing their well-being.
Why Rest Matters
Taking breaks isn’t just good for your well-being—it makes you a better employee, leader, and human.
Studies show that proper rest:
✅ Boosts creativity and problem-solving
✅ Improves memory and cognitive function
✅ Reduces stress and burnout
✅ Increases overall job satisfaction
So whether you celebrate National Public Sleeping Day with a power nap or by dreaming about a better work-life balance, remember: your rest matters.
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