In late April, the UK College of Medicine hosted its first-ever Staff Well-Being Day, an all-day event designed to celebrate and support the vital contributions of staff. Organized by the Staff Well-Being Committee and led by the Office for Organizational Well-Being, the event offered thoughtfully curated programming meant to foster reflection, connection, and appreciation.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in chair yoga, meditation, creative workshops, and even a midday walk with a physician, all designed to offer space for pause and renewal. One attendee noted how much they appreciated “the opportunity to just color and meet folks from different departments,” while another called the creative workshop “interesting and engaging…a stress relief for sure.”
Sessions were offered in shorter time blocks, allowing staff to step away from their workday briefly without needing to commit to long absences. One participant reflected that the structure conveyed intentionality: “That they put a lot of work into it to convey the idea that we are ‘thought of.’” Others echoed the sentiment, noting that it was refreshing to experience offerings created specifically with staff in mind.
Staff Well-Being Day also served as a platform to highlight the breadth of resources available through UK HR and the Office for Organizational Well-Being. Sessions like Career Advancement and Visual Explorer prompted attendees to consider new ways of thinking about their professional journeys. One participant remarked that they “didn’t know HR offered so much,” and left the session with a clearer understanding of the support available. Others shared that they had learned about UK programs like SOAR, and walked away with a renewed appreciation for the benefits available to them as employees.
While the event emphasized individual well-being, it also reinforced the importance of shared connection. “Staff are less frequently provided with direct opportunities like this,” one attendee reflected. “It was nice to experience targeted activities.” That sense of being seen, of being recognized, and valued, emerged as one of the day’s most meaningful outcomes.
As we continue shaping the well-being culture at the UK College of Medicine, staff are invited to share their feedback. Your insights are essential in guiding future offerings that reflect what matters most to you. To learn more about the Staff Well-Being Committee or to get involved, contact Sabrina.Brewer@uky.edu.