In 2015, TCRSS conducted a wellness survey to gather feedback about which healthy living initiatives would meet the needs and interests of School of Nursing (SON) employees and students. Our goal was to raise awareness about the ways nursing students, faculty and staff perceive their current health, and to identify health-promoting activities and resources the SON community would like to access, it also provided a process to help create an ongoing strategic plan within SON. As part of this initiative, in May 2016, TCRSS applied for and received a HealthPoint mini-grant from the University and received $1,500 to fund new activities to address concerns raised in the survey. More specifically, this mini grant focused on providing outlets to improve mental health and physical activity, in addition to raising awareness about ways to incorporate wellness throughout the work day. The grant paid for yoga mats to be used during group yoga classes that are hosted at SON, and yoga and meditation DVDs that employees can check out for personal use. We received additional funding to paint the main stairwell in bright colors to promote lifestyle physical activity through use of the stairs, instead of the elevator, while in the building.
“It’s been fun working with the School of Nursing,” said Claire Hahn, Work-Life Balance and Wellness manager. “It’s gratifying working with individuals dedicated to the health of their colleagues and the establishment of a culture of wellness in the workplace.”
Click here learn more about the School of Nursing’s wellness initiatives.