By Joyce Cuy
As work continues to evolve, shaped by changing demands and the realities of life outside the office, the question many employees quietly ask is, “How do we take care of ourselves while still showing up fully at work?” This was the heart of the conversation during AEV’s first #BetterUs session for the year held on January 30, 2026, “Navigating Work and Well-being in the Year Ahead”, a learning space designed to help A-People pause, reflect, and recalibrate as the year unfolds.
Creating space to pause and reflect
Rather than simply offering quick fixes or productivity hacks, the session invited participants to slow down and take a more intentional look at how they move through work and life. Guided by a practical and relatable framework, the conversation focused on everyday realities—managing energy, setting boundaries, strengthening relationships, and staying grounded amid uncertainty.
Participants were reminded that well-being is not a one-time reset or a checklist, but a daily practice built on conscious choices. Sometimes that means focusing on what we can control. Other times, it means asking for support, reconnecting with purpose, or giving ourselves permission to pause.
One idea that stood out for Atty. Anna Villanoza of Legal, was the importance of focusing on what is within one’s control and consciously letting go of what isn’t. This perspective resonated deeply, especially in work and life situations where not everything is within our hands. “Stressing over those things just adds unnecessary pressure,” she reflected. Since the session, she has been practicing small mindset shifts by choosing to focus on what she can do rather than what she cannot.
“It’s a small change, but it’s helped me feel a bit calmer, less anxious, and more grounded.”
— Atty. Anna
For Czarina Gaa of Treasury Services Group, the session led to a different but equally personal realization. For her, the small mindset shift she wants to practice is learning how to pause and care for herself more intentionally, and in doing so, show up better for her family, especially her two daughters.
“I want them to see a healthier and more present mommy every day.”
— Czarina Gaa
Together, these reflections highlight how well-being looks different for everyone, yet remains deeply interconnected with how we show up at work and at home.
Well-being as a shared responsibility
The session reinforced that well-being is both personal and collective. While self-awareness and personal practices matter, the role of teams, leaders, and organizational culture is just as critical.
Conversations surfaced about how psychological safety, clarity of expectations, and healthy team dynamics directly shape how people experience work. When employees feel supported as whole individuals beyond performance, they are more likely to stay engaged, resilient, and open to growth.
This reinforces an important truth: well-being does not sit outside of culture. It is embedded in how we communicate, collaborate, and care for one another every day.
Anchoring #BetterUs in everyday work
The #BetterUs initiative reflects AEV’s commitment to creating an environment where A-People can thrive, not only by doing meaningful work, but by sustaining their health, relationships, and sense of purpose along the way.
This first session set the tone for what #BetterUs program aims to be: not a program that adds to team members’ plates, but a platform that helps them navigate work with greater intention, clarity, and balance.
As AEV continues its transformation journey, initiatives like #BetterUs serves as a reminder that progress is not only measured by results, but by how we support our people through change–one conversation, one choice, and one moment of care at a time.