Nike Closes Global Offices in a Move to Combat Employee Stress

Nike has closed the doors on all of their global offices this week in a move to help combat employee burnout.

in a move to prioritize the mental health of their workers in these uncertain times, the global sporting giant has given employees the option to take time off this week in advance of a planned return to the office this Fall.

Senior manager of global marketing science for the Swoosh Matt Marrazzo took to LinkedIn earlier this week to clarify the move, stating that the planned closures are a move aimed at decompressing workers after a stressful 18 month, and destigmatizing mental health in the workplace.

“It’s times like this that I’m so grateful to be a part of this team. In a year (or two) unlike any other, taking time for rest and recovery is key to performing well and staying sane,” Marrazzo stated.

“This past year has been rough – we’re all human! and living through a traumatic event! – but I’m hopeful that the empathy and grace we continue to show our teammates will have a positive impact on the culture of work moving forward.”

The move follows an announcement back in May that would see HQ employees enjoy a ‘flexible model’ of work starting in September, with employees of the Swoosh entitled to a brand-new 3-2 work model that allows employees to work remotely for up to two days a week — hopefully, a step towards combating the larger issue of mental health in (and out of) the workplace.

As leaders in the industry, the moves that Nike make at all levels are often replicated — so you would expect to see rival brands follow a similar trajectory soon.