Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Staff Engagement and Empowerment (motivating staff / teamwork / work revamp tackling manpower issue / staff wellness / OSH / retention)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SK(1), Leung KH(1), Ho KM(1), Leung SH(1), Li YC(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Family Medicine and General Outpatient Clinic, Kowloon Central Cluster
Introduction :
Creating a healthy work environment involves prioritizing staff well-being and fostering positive colleague relationships. Staff wellness activities have emerged as an effective strategy to achieve these goals. The Department of Family Medicine at Kowloon Central Cluster recognizes the importance of promoting staff well-being and has established a dedicated staff wellness subcommittee since 2021. This subcommittee organizes diverse wellness activities tailored to the unique needs and interests of colleagues.
Objectives :
The staff wellness activities aim to: 1. Boost morale by reducing stress and promoting work-life balance. 2. Facilitate colleague interaction and connection outside of regular work tasks. 3. Cultivate positive relationships and teamwork among colleagues.
Methodology :
1. Quarterly publication of the staff wellness newsletter, <醫家鬆Zone>, promoting well-being. 2. Regular organization of recreational workshops covering various topics. 3. Annual department picnic trip involving colleagues and their families. 4. Collection of colleagues' preferences through a questionnaire to tailor future wellness initiatives.
Result & Outcome :
Since 2021, eight issues of the staff wellness newsletter have been published, serving as a valuable platform for promoting wellness initiatives, sharing work stories, and keeping employees informed about upcoming events. The newsletter has been made accessible to all staff members through hard copies in each clinic and soft copies via internal mail. Recreational workshops covering knitting, cooking, photography, mindfulness, and financial talks have provided colleagues with opportunities to engage in leisure activities, acquire new skills, and improve mental well-being. These workshops have also fostered connections among colleagues, contributing to a positive work environment. The majority of staff members expressed strong satisfaction with the workshops and activities. The department picnic trip held in November 2023 brought together more than 150 colleagues and their families, creating a sense of community and bonding. This event showcased the commitment to holistic well-being and work-life balance by involving family members in the celebration. A questionnaire was distributed to gather colleagues' preferences regarding wellness activities, ensuring future initiatives align with their diverse interests and well-being goals. This proactive approach helps guide the planning of future activities, ensuring they are tailored to cater to the specific needs of colleagues.
In conclusion, staff wellness activities implemented by the staff wellness subcommittee have had a significant impact on the well-being and satisfaction of employees. The newsletters, recreational workshops, and department picnic have contributed to improved morale, strengthened colleague relationships, and created a supportive work environment. Moving forward, the staff wellness subcommittee will continue to tailor initiatives based on colleagues' preferences, ensuring ongoing support for their diverse interests and well-being goals.
