Paychex, a leading provider of HR, payroll, and employee benefits for small- to medium-sized businesses, had a long-standing vision to create Healthy Businesses, Healthy Employees, and Communities that Thrive. But as the company grew and operations became more complex, leadership sought a fresh way to rally colleagues, thank them for their dedication, and maintain a shared sense of purpose.
The Challenge
Paychex wanted to energize employees around its existing vision while acknowledging the day-to-day complexities they were facing. The goal was simple yet ambitious: remind everyone why they do what they do, and encourage them to live the company’s vision.
Our Belief
We first agreed on a belief: that colleagues who understand, engage with, and “live” the company vision are more motivated and galvanized, ultimately contributing to a healthier culture and stronger business outcomes.
Our Approach
Our team created an internal activation campaign called “Thrive 365.” This name emphasized that the Paychex vision applies year-round—both inside and outside work.
- Strategy & Program Design: We proposed a year-long plan in which every all-hands meeting included a dedicated 10-minute slot—“the Vision 10”—to engage employees. These short sessions could feature everything from challenges and contests to messaging exercises and brief training modules.
- Creative & Logistics: Each month focused on a specific activity designed to reinforce the vision, fostering team spirit and keeping Thrive 365 top of mind. We provided a range of ideas with varying complexities, budgets, and creative support needs.
a messaging exercise left each participant with their own message – customized and in their own words
- Launch & Engagement: To kick off the initiative, we delivered a powerful anthem video – intended to unify employees with a powerful, emotional message that fosters a shared sense of purpose and excitement around the vision.
The Outcome
From the initial reveal of the anthem video to ongoing monthly activities, Thrive 365 successfully built excitement and a renewed sense of commitment among employees. The program’s structure—10 minutes at each all-hands—was accessible, impactful, and easily repeatable. By drawing a clear connection between daily efforts and the greater vision, Paychex fosters a culture where every employee felt empowered to help the organization (and its clients) truly thrive year-round.
“The work was phenomenal and leadership loved it.” – Teresa Carroll, President, Oasis, a Paychex company