Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day at Coupa: Taking Time to Recharge Together

At Coupa, appreciation is built into the way we work and spend time with friends and family.

As organizations around the world recently recognized Employee Appreciation Day, Coupanians across the globe marked the moment in a meaningful way: by stepping away from work to recharge during our Spring Wellness Day.

Everything innovation, milestone, and customer win at Coupa is powered by our people. Wellness Days are one way we recognize that truth, giving employees the time and space to rest, reset, and invest in the well-being that makes long-term success possible.

Appreciation That Goes Beyond Words

For Susan Tohyama, Coupa’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Wellness Days reflect a deeper commitment to putting people first. “Our Wellness Days are more than just a break in the calendar; they are a reflection of our people-first culture. True well-being isn’t just about the absence of work. It’s more about the presence of self-care, family and friends, and the things that refuel your soul and let your brain breathe.”

It’s a reminder that appreciation doesn’t always come through big announcements or awards. Sometimes, the most meaningful way to recognize people is to give them the time they need to pause and recharge.

Across the Coupa Village, employees used the day in their own ways by reconnecting with family and friends, spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies, or simply stepping away from the constant pace of work.

Recharging in Motion

For Erik Visser, Wellness Day meant getting outside and doing something that helps him reset both physically and mentally. Living in the Netherlands, Erik took advantage of the day to cycle 160 kilometers around the Markermeer along the Zuiderzeeroute, enjoying the open landscapes and quiet moments that come with a long ride.

“It was a perfect reminder to recharge and balance body and mind,” Erik shared. “A long ride, stunning views, and a great way to clear the head before heading back into the busy weeks ahead.” For Erik, wellness is about more than physical activity. “Wellness is not just about physical health, but also about energy, resilience, and showing up for yourself, your team, and our customers.”

After the ride, he reflected on how meaningful it is to work for an organization that recognizes the importance of stepping away to recharge. “I’m grateful to work at a company that values wellbeing and encourages us to invest in it.”

The Gift of Time

For Lucy Day, this year’s Wellness Day carried special meaning as it was the first time in her career she had experienced a day like it. “Today is my first Wellness Day at Coupa. In fact, it’s the first wellness day kindly gifted to me by an employer,” Lucy shared. Reflecting on her early career, Lucy said there was a time when spare time didn’t seem like something to think much about.

Lucy chose to spend the day doing something meaningful with a close friend who had recently experienced a loss. The two went for a run together before planning to unwind at a spa, a reminder that sometimes the most valuable thing you can give someone is simply your time.

Lucy is also training for a half marathon to raise money for charity, making the run part of a bigger personal challenge. “Time spent with a friend who needs support is time well spent. I’m grateful to Coupa for giving the Coupa Village this gift of time to breathe, rest, and recharge.

The Power of Community

For Jordan Gross, a creative leader and storyteller at Coupa, the day also highlighted something else that makes the Coupa Village special — the people. “The Coupanions I get to work alongside are some of the most creative, resilient, and dedicated people I’ve ever met,” Jordan shared. “Day after day, I see colleagues stepping up, supporting one another, solving tough problems, and pushing boundaries.”

In a work environment where teams are often asked to move quickly and do more with less, Jordan believes moments like Wellness Day are essential. “Even the best teams need a moment to pause,” he said. “Step away from the laptop, get outside, spend time with family, take a breath, and recharge.”

Building Tomorrow, Together

Employee Appreciation Day was a chance to recognize the dedication, creativity, and collaboration that drive progress forward.

At Coupa, celebrating that appreciation through global Wellness Days reflects a belief that supporting people’s well-being isn’t separate from success but an essential part of it.

When people feel supported, valued, and energized, they return ready to continue building tomorrow, together.

Ready to recharge your career? Check out Coupa Careers and join our vibrant Talent Community

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Celebrating Our 2026 SDCE Pros

By Nora Clark • March 19, 2026

Three leaders. Three career stages. One shared impact. Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s Pros to Know awards recognize leaders whose work both keeps supply chains moving and reshapes how the industry thinks, plans, and leads. This year, Coupa is proud to celebrate Mark Schenecker, Nari Viswanathan, and Lucas de Brito. These three pros are at different points in their careers but united by a common thread: turning complexity into clarity and impact.

Two Months In: Two Coupa India Campus Interns Share What They’ve Discovered So Far

By Nora Clark • March 19, 2026

For our Coupa India campus interns, they don’t just observe innovation but get to experience it firsthand. From collaborating with engineers to contributing to real projects, interns gain a deeper understanding of how technology, teamwork, and culture come together to build solutions that matter. We recently asked a group of our Coupa India campus interns a simple question: “What is something you discovered about Coupa while working on your project?” Their responses highlight what makes the Coupa experience unique.

Shaping What’s Next: Celebrating the Unsung Heroines of Coupa

By Nora Clark • March 13, 2026

As we celebrate Women’s History Month , we’re recognizing the women who help shape Coupa every day, not only through leadership roles, but through mentorship, advocacy, collaboration, and the many contributions that often happen behind the scenes. In this special episode of Shaping What’s Next at Coupa , guest host Kiri Christensen , representing Coupa’s Empower Employee Resource Group , sits down with Cindy Yi, Senior Vice President of Global HR Business Partners , to explore the theme of this year’s celebration: Leading the Change. Their conversation goes beyond titles and career paths to talk about the people and moments that shape leadership. Cindy reflects on the leaders who influenced her journey and shares a perspective that resonates across organizations: when people feel supported, challenged, and connected, businesses perform better. The episode also shines a light on the idea of “Unsung Heroines,” the mentors, problem-solvers, and team builders whose impact may not always be visible but is foundational to a strong culture. As Cindy explains, recognizing those contributions matters because it expands how we define leadership and impact. “Leadership doesn’t always come from titles or visibility. When we celebrate mentorship, collaboration, and quiet leadership, we reinforce the behaviors that make organizations great.” The conversation also explores the importance of thoughtful courage, the willingness to ask important questions and contribute perspectives that move conversations forward, regardless of title or tenure. And at the heart of it all is a simple but powerful truth: when people feel their voices and contributions matter, they’re empowered to do their best work. That’s what helps organizations grow, innovate, and shape what’s next. Watch Episode 6: Women’s History Month: Unsung Heroines.

Recognizing Excellence in India: December 2025 Standout Performers

By Nora Clark • March 11, 2026

Meaningful progress is driven by people who take ownership, collaborate deeply, and consistently raise the bar for what’s possible. Each month, Coupa’s India Leadership Team recognizes individuals who exemplify our values through the Standout Performer Award . This recognition celebrates Coupanians whose contributions make a tangible impact on our teams, our customers, and the business while living our values to Drive Success for #AllOfUs, Own Our Results, Cultivate Belonging, and Build Tomorrow Together. We’re proud to spotlight our December 2025 India Standout Performer Award winners, whose work reflects the heart of Coupa’s culture: proactive, innovative, and people-centered. Meet the winners:

Celebrating Excellence in India: Q4 2025 Extra Mile Award Winners

By Nora Clark • March 11, 2026

At Coupa, we believe that progress happens because of people who go beyond what’s expected to drive impact, support others, and help shape what’s next. That’s why recognition is such an important part of our culture. As part of our continued commitment to celebrating standout contributions across the business, Coupa’s India Leadership Team recognizes employees each quarter through the Extra Mile Award . This award honors individuals who exemplify our values: Drive Success for #AllOfUs, Own Our Results, Cultivate Belonging, and Build Tomorrow Together through meaningful, real-world impact. We’re proud to spotlight our Q4 2025 India Extra Mile Award winners , whose dedication and leadership continue to raise the bar for excellence at Coupa. Meet the winners:

2026 Women’s History Month: Unsung Heroines

March 5, 2026

Leading Change Through Everyday Impact As we kick off Women’s History Month , our Coupa Empower employee resource group is honoring the women whose leadership, influence, and care move our teams, culture, and communities forward — often in ways that aren’t always visible. This year’s theme, Leading the Change , recognizes the builders, mentors, problem-solvers and quiet leaders whose impact shapes how we grow and work together. The Unsung Heroines program highlights employees whose journeys, advocacy, and influence create lasting progress — not just for Coupa, but for the people around them. These are the stories that remind us that recognition isn’t a single moment. It's something we build into our culture every day.

Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse: A Season of Renewal, Movement, and Connection

By Nora Clark • February 20, 2026

As we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, our global village comes together to celebrate Lunar New Year — a moment for renewal, reflection, and bold forward momentum for #AllOfUs. This year’s celebration is led by our Coupa Exceed Employee Resource Group, whose leadership continues to create space for cultural connection, shared learning, and deeper belonging across our communities. Through its programming and storytelling, Exceed ERG helps turn moments like this into meaningful global experiences for all Coupanians. In the lunar zodiac, the Horse symbolizes energy, progress, and determination. The Fire element brings passion, visibility, and transformation. That spirit comes to life in how Exceed leads this celebration: Moving with purpose Amplifying voices and traditions Bringing our global community closer together From red envelopes and reunion dinners to travel, lanterns, and time with loved ones, Lunar New Year reminds us that while our backgrounds may be different, the values that connect us are shared.

Engineering What’s Next: Celebrating Engineers Week 2026

By Nora Clark • February 20, 2026

Engineers at Coupa are shaping what’s next, through code, curiosity, impact, and a shared commitment to building better systems for people and businesses. In celebration of Engineers Week 2026, we asked a few of our engineers how they’re transforming the future: their own, Coupa’s, and the communities we serve. Their answers reflect a profession grounded in purpose, growth, and possibility.

Innovation Through Impact, Continued: Human-Centered Voices Shaping Tech

February 11, 2026

As we continue our Black History Month celebration, Coupa’s Engage employee resource group is proud to spotlight more voices whose journeys reflect the lasting impact of Black innovation in technology. Building on our first feature, this blog highlights Coupanians whose paths into tech weren’t always linear but whose perspectives are shaping how technology, people, and possibility intersect at Coupa. Through the stories of Elise Huggins, Rashida Jones, and Johnny White, we’re reminded that innovation is strongest when it’s grounded in imagination, inclusion, and human purpose.

Owning Results Through Connection: Sukhada's 10-Year Journey

February 9, 2026

As Coupa celebrates 20 years of innovation, growth, and impact, it’s the people who’ve grown alongside the company who best reflect what that journey really looks like. For Sukhada Bardapurkar, Partner Success Manager, the last 10 years at Coupa have been shaped by curiosity, connection, and a deep sense of ownership in the results she helps deliver. “At every stage of my career here, I’ve genuinely cared about the impact of my work and how it enables both me and the team to move forward,” Sukhada shares. “Owning results motivates me and it pushes me to stay curious and solve problems proactively.”