Wellbeing on a Startup Budget: How We Built a Healthier, Happier Team at BluLever

Written by Lebohang Mbhiza (BluLever's Human Capital Manager)

Read our feature of this article in the Healthy Times, Pg 19, by Lisa Witepski.

BluLever Team, Bi-weekly Build, Learn. Think Social - playing a game of bowls

As a startup with budget constraints, at BluLever, we've found creative ways to prioritise employee wellbeing without significant financial investment.

We've intentionally built three core practices that support both productivity and wellness:

Our daily Slack check-ins create transparency around workload and well-being. Team members share their top three priorities for the day and how they're feeling each morning. This simple practice allows managers and team members to offer each other support when someone isn't at their best, whether that means taking over a task, suggesting they work from home, or simply showing extra understanding that day.

We also have a flexible leave organisation. Our flexible leave policy doesn't track or limit days off. Instead, we focus on accountability and communication. Team members coordinate absences with their managers & team members and ensure work continuity, but they never have to worry about "running out" of sick or personal days. This removes a major source of stress, allowing everyone to genuinely prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Team Winter Hot Chocolate Party - Before we all go to helping each other set up for an event.

We also have flexible working hours that give our team autonomy over when they work. We recognise that life doesn't always fit neatly into traditional office hours, and this flexibility allows everyone to manage their personal priorities without sacrificing professional commitments.

Beyond these practices, we've partnered with Yu Life for our group risk benefits, which include a wellness app encouraging healthy behaviours like walking and meditation. The app's leaderboard has sparked friendly competition among team members, and its integration with physical, mental, and financial wellness services helps us support team members and maximise

our benefits budget.

The BluLever team is celebrating a service team member's birthday - Cake for the win!

These approaches cost little to implement but have been transformative for our culture. The emphasis on trust and flexibility has built a more resilient, loyal, and productive team—proving that effective wellness initiatives don't require deep pockets, just intentional design.

Human Capital Manager:

Lebohang Mbhiza - lebohang.mbhiza@blulever.com