Solari Crisis & Human Services, a (501c3) nonprofit that provides community-based crisis intervention services and a wide range of mental health services, opened its doors in 2007 with one key mission in mind: Inspiring hope.
As Manager of Marketing Laboraex Abeita notes, the East Valley nonprofit, which also answers all calls made in Arizona to 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, as well as to the statewide crisis line, is equally devoted to achieving this goal both externally and internally.
“This means that we want every member of our team to feel valued and inspired in the work they do, especially because our programs are designed to help those in need,” Abeita says, adding that Solari’s trained and caring crisis specialists, who are available 24/7/365, responded to more than 500,000 calls in 2024.
To help ensure that the health and well-being of its entire team of employees is a priority, Solari has embraced an “employee-first” work culture.
“The work that is done here at Solari is around the clock, and that means employees can become burnt out if not given the support and flexibility needed to enjoy their lives,” Abeita says.
For example, he notes, employees who are on-site can take a break whenever they feel the need and decompress in one of the many “compassion rooms” located throughout the office space.
“For employees who are working remotely, there are employee wellness programs that provide 24/7 mental health support, as well as life coaching and mental wellness resources,” Abeita says.
“In addition, the paid time off and hybrid work opportunities allow employees to truly enjoy a great work-life balance. These are only a few of the many incredible employee benefits and support systems that Solari provides to our team.”
Solari’s investment in its work culture and commitment to the well-being of its employees has paid off in a variety of positive ways.
“We have seen the benefits of our work culture through the powerful and inspiring actions of our employees. Our employees have published books, speak publicly, lead trainings, and so much more for our community,” Abeita says.
Solari has also received a number of awards for its positive work culture. The nonprofit received the “Top Workplaces” recognition from The Arizona Republic in 2023 and 2024, and was named one of the “Top 10 Remote Workplaces in the United States” by Energage in 2024.
“We’ve also been recognized as a ‘Best Place to Work’ by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022! In addition, we have also received many other recognitions that can be viewed on our website,” Abeita says.
Abeita says he and everyone at Solari are proud of their supportive work culture, and the way it benefits everyone at the nonprofit.
“From the perspective of the employee, having a workplace with an employee-forward work culture is a game-changer. Prioritizing the health and well-being of employees has been shown to increase productivity, company loyalty, and overall success of company goals,” he says.
“From the perspective of the employer, Solari knows that the success of our organization doesn’t happen without the amazing individuals that make up our employee base.”
"... having a workplace with an employee-forward work culture is a game-changer."