Strengthening Staff Wellness and Self-Care at UWONET
Staff face significant wellness and self-care challenges including limited personal time due to heavy workloads, difficulty maintaining physical health, mental health concerns such as stress and isolation (especially for staff working on GBV programs), poor work–life balance caused by blurred boundaries, financial strain, low awareness of wellness practices, and the negative impact of technology on their overall well-being. Additional challenges include inadequate organizational support, difficulties in navigating partnerships and networks, and the need for continuous learning and upskilling to remain effective in their roles.
On Friday, 26th September 2023, UWONET organized a self-care and wellness activity for staff at Bahai temple with an aim to promote staff well-being, prevent burnout and stress.
The session also served as a review platform for UWONET’s self-care and wellness journey/policy over the past two years, allowing staff to identify progress made and highlight existing gaps. Staff reflected on wellness at both individual and institutional levels, sharing what they are grateful for, the struggles they face, the coping strategies that help them, and how they mitigate ongoing challenges.
Staff shared personal wellness needs, reflecting on work experiences, and strengthened the sense of self. Lydia highlighted challenges she’s facing stemming from extended family and community expectations, such as paying school fees for relatives’ children, providing necessities for relatives, contributing to fundraisings, and attending multiple social functions, including funerals. These pressures affect staff mental well-being and their ability to perform optimally at work.
However, Rita the executive director encouraged colleagues to confront such challenges directly, boldly and, where necessary, seek support from colleagues and professionals instead of struggling in silence.
In the evening hours, staff conducted walks around bahai premises with the aim of reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Walking with colleagues strengthened relationships and provided an opportunity for peer support and bonding.
