Mastercard
Mastercard Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing
At Mastercard, our ways of working are always evolving and dynamic because there is no single way of working. We know that everyone works best in different ways.
Our hybrid approach gives us flexibility and achieves the right balance of in-person collaboration. We use Team Agreements, which is a principle-based, team-driven approach, to help teams specify when to come together in the office based on the type of work that needs to be done in support of our customers, company, and one another. Non-remote colleagues are expected to join the office an average of 3 days per week.
Our principles on flexibility:
1. We value and offer flexibility through our hybrid model and flexibility programs, which support employees on when and where work gets done, and aid employee wellbeing in managing commitments inside and outside of work.
2. We value in-person connection and collaboration – these moments matter in support of our company, customers, and partners, and one another within our own teams and across functions and regions.
3. We understand that one size doesn't fit all, which is why leaders, and their teams should optimize their time together in support of their best work, while aligning to our hybrid approach and our company-wide principles and guidelines.
4. We trust our employees to do what's right, and we rely on leaders and teams to hold one another accountable in alignment with our hybrid approach, their Team Agreement, team deliverables, and The Mastercard Way.
5. We will continue to invest in our employees, our workplace, tools, technology, and create learning opportunities to enable a connected, inclusive, and best-in-class flexible work experience in support of our company, customers, and one another.
Mastercard Employee Perspectives
How do leaders or managers at Mastercard show that they prioritize employee well-being? What policies or perks are in place that allow you to take time off, pursue your passions or focus on your mental health?
I have been at Mastercard for over a decade, and I have consistently seen managers and leadership prioritize employee well-being. In addition to a generous vacation policy, Mastercard has great perks that allow for the pursuit of passion, continued education and mental and physical health. These include “Work from Elsewhere” weeks, where employees can work from anywhere in the world for up to four weeks every year; five paid volunteer days every year to give back to causes you care about; companywide meeting-free days, which help us reclaim time for deep work or personal priorities; free counseling sessions and mental health programs to reduce stress and avoid burnout; and educational reimbursement opportunities through tuition reimbursement and funding for certifications.
How has this impacted your life?
During my time at Mastercard, I have been fortunate enough to have the flexibility to pursue four industry cybersecurity certifications and a part-time master’s degree. This is thanks to the flexibility and educational reimbursement policy that Mastercard provides. Managers foster a culture of continued learning and flexibility, encouraging employees to grow professionally. Mastercard’s “Work from Elsewhere” days have also allowed me to spend more time with family and friends living in other states.
What do these policies or actions say about Mastercard and the company culture as a whole?
Mastercard is a great place to work. The culture makes people want to stay. When you are with a group of Mastercard employees and you ask them how long they’ve been with the company, it is not uncommon to hear responses such as five, 10, 15 or even more than 20 years. People feel appreciated, recognized and find value in the work they do.
