Combining sustainability and wellness: HubSpot's office strategy

Jo Jacobs, Office Manager and Culture Coordinator at HubSpot Ghent, shares how personal growth and well-being contribute to employees' unique company culture and success.

In the Sip & Share series, Dripl engages with our clients to discover how they approach well-being in the workplace. From our conversation with Jo Jacobs, Office Manager at HubSpot Ghent, you'll learn how personal growth and well-being are central to their culture, how they position themselves as an attractive employer, and how Dripl plays a role in their broader sustainability strategy. We'll share the best insights and practical tips that can help you create a positive work culture.

Hey Jo 👋

Jo Jacobs is Office Manager at HubSpot in Ghent. Since 2017, she has made sure the office runs smoothly and employees feel at home. With a background at PieSync, which was acquired by HubSpot, she grew into the company's international culture. Today, she is also part of the global HubSpot Culture Team, ensuring that the unique culture is maintained, locally and internationally.

👉Personal growth with themes and talks

At HubSpot, personal development takes center stage. Each month revolves around a different theme, such as mental health, Pride Month, sustainability or conscious leadership. These themes form the basis for workshops and "HubTalks," where internal and external speakers share insights. Jo explains: "These monthly themes not only create a learning environment, but also strengthen the connection within the team. Employees feel part of a bigger picture and are encouraged to develop continuously."

According to Jo, initiatives like the HubTalks play an important role in attracting new talent: "Potential employees see what happens here through social media and photos. That gives an honest picture of our culture and helps them decide if HubSpot is a good fit for them."

👉 Make employees co-owners of the culture

At HubSpot, employees are the creators of the culture. Initiatives like the Party Committee show how important ownership is to a positive work culture. "Whether it's coming up with names for meeting rooms or organizing team-building activities, everyone can contribute," Jo says.

In addition, the sustainability team also plays a crucial role. By bringing offices and teams into dialogue, they ensure that all initiatives are kept as green as possible. "It's a symbiosis between different employees in the organization, motivating everyone to contribute to sustainable initiatives. It doesn't work otherwise," says Jo.

👉 Perks:reward effort and commitment

HubSpot recognizes the importance of balance and offers employees benefits that support their well-being. Think monthly massages, book subscriptions and online tools for mental health. These perks are an important part of the company's culture. "Our perks show employees that their well-being is a priority," says Jo. "It motivates them to do their best both on and off the job."

Since last year, HubSpot has also offered access to the Modern Health platform, which supports employees in their professional and personal challenges. From project management and fear of failure to relational problems at home - Modern Health is a valuable addition to their well-being strategy.

👉 Flexibility and durability go hand in hand

Flexibility is a key focus for HubSpot. Employees choose where they work best - in the office, at home or elsewhere. But flexibility goes further: sustainability also plays an important role. HubSpot encourages the use of public transportation and bicycles over a fleet of cars. Employees are given budgets to keep their bikes on point, and sustainability is actively integrated into waste disposal and energy management.

"Our Dripl Refill Point fits perfectly into this overall picture," says Jo. "It motivates employees who are conscious about their health and fits within our broader sustainability strategy."

👉 The impact of Dripl refill points on their office

Since March 2022, HubSpot has been using a Dripl refill point in its Ghent office, strategically placed next to the coffee machine - the social heart of the workplace. "It's a nice addition to our culture," says Jo. "We don't want to be the moral high ground, but offering healthy, low-calorie drinks gives employees the choice to make conscious choices."

The refill point has helped HubSpot drastically reduce the use of single-use plastics. In 2024 alone, it helped them avoid 5,252 single-use containers, while employees enthusiastically use the tasty drinks. "In the beginning, everyone was super enthusiastic, and we still get positive feedback," says HubSpot's director of marketing.

📝 Key Takeaways for your team or office

• Encourage personal growth: Make room for learning and development by organizing regular themes and workshops.
• Involve employees: Have employees actively contribute to the work culture for more engagement and ownership.
• Reward job satisfaction: Provide perks that support well-being and balance.
• Be flexible: Offer employees the opportunity to choose where and how they work best.
• Showcase your culture: Share authentic stories and initiatives to attract talent that fits your organization.

Watch the full interview with Jo Jacobs

Want to learn more about how HubSpot is addressing wellness and sustainability? Check out the full interview with Jo Jacobs here: