With offices in 13 different countries, Avalara was facing a significant challenge: each country had its own set of conditions, rather than operating under a cohesive global benefits strategy. To reduce inconsistencies and address the needs of Avalara’s diverse international workforce, Tabitha Mondragon, Director of Global Benefits, partnered with Sequoia.

Slowing down to get it right

Tabitha’s main priority was to establish a foundation of core benefits that would be simple, easy to access, and adaptable to the varying needs of employees from different cultures.

In their pursuit of a unified wellbeing strategy, Sequoia evaluated the existing plans and took the time to understand Avalara’s values.

“Sequoia’s approach wasn’t rushed,” explained Tabitha. “They took the time needed to fully comprehend our unique culture and requirements, and it paid off.”

Sequoia provided practical tips on daily execution and managed the involvement of numerous stakeholders, ensuring that everyone’s input was considered. Together, they designed a wellbeing plan that was straightforward and aligned with Avalara’s core pillars: ownership, adaptability, and simplicity.

Sequoia’s approach wasn’t rushed. They took the time needed to fully comprehend our unique culture and requirements, and it paid off.

Rolling out Thrive Wellbeing

In May 2024, Avalara rolled out the Thrive Wellbeing program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support the varied needs of their global workforce. The program included an engaging launch challenge and provided internal, regionalized resources tailored to each location. These resources were simple to access and understand, making it easy for employees to find what they needed.

“We received great feedback from our employees on the new program,” said Tabitha. “They now know where to go to find the resources they need at any given moment.”

In line with one of their key pillars, Avalara’s approach was not just to provide resources, but to encourage employees to take ownership of their wellbeing. They prioritized making resources available in a manner that met employees regardless of their circumstances.

“Sometimes as employers, we want to tell employees what they need,” explained Tabitha. “But empowering our employees to take ownership for their own wellbeing is where we’ve seen meaningful and lasting change.”

Global collaboration and future plans

The success of the Thrive Wellbeing program emphasized the need for global collaboration. Tabitha now trusts that all offices are operating within the same overarching philosophy, and employees everywhere feel supported.

At the start of 2025, Avalara will launch Lyra Health to support US employees’ mental health and will add Workplace Options (WPO) for international employees. These initiatives will continue to build on the extensive resources available to team members, and support the goal of comprehensive care across physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

Avalara’s journey underscores the importance of taking a measured and thoughtful approach to wellbeing. By collaborating with Sequoia, Avalara was able to create a structured, yet flexible benefits strategy that resonates with their diverse, global workforce, leading to happier, more engaged employees.