Staff Welfare: Nurturing a Culture of Wellbeing

By Jullian Kahara Atukunda, Communications Assistant, RSCE

In the bustling global arena of the United Nations, where diverse cultures and backgrounds converge, the welfare of its staff is a priority. Staff are the backbone of UN operations, from humanitarian aid to peacekeeping missions, often operating in challenging environments. Prioritizing their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is not just a policy but a moral imperative.

At the RSCE, the Staff Welfare Committee (SWC) plays a pivotal role in managing various aspects of staff welfare. The committee ensures that all personnel and their dependents are well-informed about available activities and resources.

Recognizing that physical fitness is integral to overall wellbeing, SWC has dedicated efforts towards providing access to a well-equipped gym facility within the campus. Open throughout the week, the gym offers state-of-the-art equipment catering to diverse exercise preferences alongside an experienced trainer, Mr. Brian Mugagga, who provides personalized guidance. Furthermore, the Committee aims to expand gym operating hours ensuring that staff members can have access before or beyond working hours and over the weekends. This commitment reflects an unwavering dedication towards promoting holistic wellness among staff members.

In addition to this, SWC organizes group activities such as walking on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as well as hosting a Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from 11 am to 4 pm where staff can procure fresh and organic locally grown produce and engage with local farmers.

The Friday Happy Hour provides an avenue for employees to engage in fun activities ranging from singing karaoke to playing indoor games while enjoying fellowship with one another and getting to know each other outside the work routine.

The Power of Engagement

From volunteering initiatives to wellness programs, engaging staff not only enriches those served but also fortifies organizational culture by fostering camaraderie and shared values among employees.

Participating in local charity drives or organizing fundraising events allows personnel to extend their impact beyond professional roles into tangible contributions within their communities and nurtures empathy while forging strong bonds rooted in collective purpose across hierarchical boundaries.

Additionally, involvement yields individual health benefits through acts of kindness, triggering endorphin release, promoting happiness and contributing positively toward mental wellbeing and further cultivating resilience against workplace stressors.