This reflection comes as part of a broader conversation Cannon-Brookes is spearheading about the importance of sustainable work practices and employee well-being. He acknowledges that while the tool itself was innovative, it lacked features that encouraged work-life balance, such as built-in reminders to take breaks and features to monitor workload distribution.
“I regret that we didn’t prioritize mental health and work-life balance from the start,” Cannon-Brookes admitted. “If I could go back, I would have pushed for a more holistic approach that considered not just productivity but also the health and happiness of the people using our products.”
In recent years, Cannon-Brookes has taken steps to rectify this oversight. Under his leadership, Atlassian has launched new initiatives aimed at promoting a healthier work culture. These include flexible working hours, mandatory downtime, and mental health support programs. He has also been a vocal advocate for the four-day workweek, suggesting that the tech industry should lead by example in creating more sustainable work environments.
