In a world where our mental health and well-being are constantly tested, connection and community remain the grounding foundations we all need to feel truly heard and seen. Research continues to confirm what our biology has long understood—humans are wired to connect, with social relationships as fundamental to our survival as food or water. Strong social ties aren’t just comforting; they’re critical for resilience and positive mental health, helping us weather life’s challenges. Yet in the fast-paced, digitally dependent world we navigate today, authentic belonging can sometimes feel out of reach, making intentional community building more important than ever.
While flexible work unlocks new possibilities, isolation can creep in, quietly impacting our mental health and how we show up, both for ourselves and our teams. That’s why, at GoTo, we place community at the center of our culture. Through vibrant Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and our core values—like Be Real and Think Big—we’re committed to supporting employees’ whole selves and building inclusive practices that transcend roles, time zones, and access needs.
Meet Our Advocates: Five Perspectives on Connection
In the stories ahead, five GoGetters (GoTo employees) offer unique perspectives on how meaningful moments of connection have shaped their well-being, sense of belonging, and growth at GoTo.
Wilson Mazimba
Sr. Product Manager | BE@GoTo leader & Families@GoTo member
A passionate advocate for connection, Wilson sees community as the cornerstone of mental health—at GoTo and beyond. “People need people, and that human connection makes it so much more worth experiencing life,” he shares. For Wilson, a supportive environment isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative, making each day brighter no matter what challenges arise.
One of Wilson’s favorite ways to boost well-being is getting outside. Whether it’s a walk, a hike, or simply unwinding in nature, he finds movement and time away from screens restores balance. “Getting out into nature matters," Wilson emphasizes. "It’s scientifically proven to improve your health and gives you a much-needed break from the digital ethos.” Regular focus time for personal tasks—reading or home projects—also helps him recharge.
Wilson’s involvement in ERGs, especially BE@GoTo and Families@GoTo, has given him strong community ties across the company. He encourages colleagues to join ERG Slack channels to celebrate inclusion and belonging: “Losing diversity would bea loss for us all, so let’s keep it going!”
Advice for others: Connect with ERGs and intentionally make time for yourself—even small changes matter.
"Connection means knowing people for who they are, not what they do.”
Meet Rachel Polanksy
Customer Success Manager | ADAPT@GoTo Leader
Rachel knows firsthand that community isn’t just a comfort—it’s a lifeline. “It can feel scary when you think you’re the only one going through something but having a sense of belonging and inclusion makes those moments easier to navigate,” she explains. For Rachel, being part of a strong, safe space at GoTo lets her share openly, welcome feedback, and embrace new perspectives to help her grow—especially in tough times.
Rachel supports her mental health with practical habits. “Reframing perspectives is HUGE. I try to view frustrations through a learning lens,” she says. Regular movement—stretching, cardio, or a walk—keeps her balanced. She sets boundaries, disconnects during PTO, and is transparent about emotions, distinguishing between sharing, venting, and seeking feedback.
As an ADAPT@GoTo member (Abled and Disabled Advocates Partnering Together), Rachel finds connection in a judgment-free space welcoming all types of divergence. She values relationships built on humanity and opportunities for growth, especially when “we’re seen as human beings, not just cogs in machines.”
Advice for others: Set boundaries around your work-life balance, and when you’re on PTO, avoid checking things like Slack and email if you can help it.
All it takes is one genuine interaction to turn a colleague into a friend.
Meet Jessica Holman
Senior Technical Writer | Adapt@GoTo member & Pride@GoTo member
Jessica understands that no one should have to navigate mental health challenges alone. Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and feeling isolated by depression and anxiety, she longed for understanding and support. That changed when, as an adult, she connected with others with similar experiences—finally feeling seen and cared for. “This connection is so helpful for sharing and learning real, practical strategies and coping skills, and I get a lot of joy from knowing I can help others cope with something I’ve struggled with my whole life,” Jessica shares.
To support her mental health, Jessica emphasizes self-compassion. She builds routines like consistent sleep schedules and meditation and gives herself grace on tough days: “As long as I can pick it back up on good, high-energy days, that's enough.” She encourages neurodivergent colleagues to avoid pressuring themselves over perfect habits—and to celebrate progress, however small.
Transparent communication at work is a game-changer. By sharing her energy and mental health realities, Jessica finds understanding and flexibility—sometimes even using humor: “I like to use Dungeons and Dragons spell slots to talk about my energy each day!”
Advice for others: Be honest about your needs. Communicate with your manager and use accessible language (like The Spoon Theory,) to share where you’re at.
Connection at GoTo means I can be my authentic self, foster support for others, and help everyone understand we’re all just human beings.
Meet Adam Batchelder
Partner Solutions Consulting | ADAPT@GoTo Leader
For Adam, connection is the foundation of thriving at work and in life. “Most if not all people want a sense of belonging and a psychologically safe place with others—a place we can be ourselves and be accepted while receiving feedback and support,” he says. Thanks to GoTo’s ERGs and supportive leaders, Adam has found inspiration and a sense of achievement stronger than anywhere else he’s worked.
Adam’s well-being starts early: daily devotionals, meditation at 4:30 AM, and exercise before his workday energizes mind and body. “The devotional builds hope into my perspective, and exercise helps me feel balanced.” While he values remote work, he finds in-person connection especially powerful for creating meaningful relationships and collaboration.
As an ADAPT ERG leader, Adam advocates for people with both visible and invisible disabilities. This rewarding role has broadened his perspective and built bonds that make every success more meaningful. “Working somewhere this is valued—and being able to collaborate with a wonderful, super-supportive group—has been an incredible experience,” he shares.
Advice for others: Seek out meaningful interactions, whether through in-person or virtual events. Join an Employee Resource Group, like ADAPT@GoTo, for genuine connection and advocacy.
Connection at GoTo means having meaningful interactions that leave you feeling unified, valued, and inspired to achieve shared goals.
Meet Stacy White
Product Manager | ADAPT@GoTo Leader
For Stacy, connection at work is non-negotiable; it’s the foundation of both inclusion and mental health. “Being able to collaborate with colleagues, share ideas, and receive feedback helps me feel valued and understood in the workplace,” she explains. Supportive relationships reduce stress and foster trust—a sense of community that’s vital, especially working remotely. “These interactions encourage me to be authentic at work and reassure me that I am accepted and appreciated at GoTo.”
Stacy relies on intentional routines: daily meditation to center herself, walks with her dog to recharge, and organized to-do lists to reduce overwhelm. She creates clear boundaries between work and personal life, using scheduled breaks and designated email times.
“These habits collectively help me maintain balance, stay focused, and foster resilience,” she shares.
Participating in ERGs and casual conversations—from book recommendations to gratitude—has broadened Stacy’s perspective and built deeper relationships. “Connecting doesn’t just make work more enjoyable; it’s how we help each other feel seen, valued, and connected.”
Advice for others: Take advantage of ERGs and make time for meaningful conversations—even simple check-ins can go a long way.
Connection at GoTo means feeling supported and included, building genuine relationships that help everyone grow and thrive together.
What We’ve Built Together
Throughout these stories, common threads stand out: at GoTo, it’s everyday micro-connections—quick check-ins, a thoughtful Slack message, a shared laugh—that help protect our mental health, especially in a digital-centric world. Clarity and flexibility—including clear agendas, camera-optional meetings, and quiet hours—go a long way in
reducing stress. Accessible practices, from captions and alt text to thoughtful return-to-work guides, empower everyone, not just a select few.
Here’s just a sample of the supports our people rely on every day:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health resources
- Thrive wellness program
- ERGs and peer support channels
- Captioning/alt text standards
- Return-to-work guides
We are grateful to our employee advocates, ERGs, and leaders who build connection and community from the ground up. At GoTo, we remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and mental wellbeing. We live our values every day: Be Real—permission to show up as we are, with care and dignity; and Think Big—designing systems that scale inclusion across teams and time zones.
These connections aren’t just vital for our people—they’re the spark behind our growth, our resilience, and the culture we’re proud to build together. If you’re ready to thrive in a place where every story matters, where connection fuels opportunity, and where you’re welcome as you are, we invite you to discover your place at GoTo.
Explore careers at GoTo or check out more about our ERGs and other employee programs on our LinkedIn Life pages, to see how we build a culture that helps everyone thrive.