Principal’s Blog: Wellbeing at the RNN Group

In this post Covid era, our Health and Wellbeing has never been more important as we all grapple with changes both personally and professionally. Students have had to deal with digital learning for two years missing out on social activities and face to face learning, which for countless students is crucial in terms of their preferred learning style. Although many have thrived in a digital world and we have all had to adapt to this new way of working and learning, it has not been easy.

Health and Wellbeing is so crucially important for each and every one of us, both in and out of the workplace. Studies suggest improvement in individual wellbeing would result in improved workplace performance – in financial performance, productivity and the quality of services. Most people spend a large part of their day at work. Providing opportunities for our staff to be healthy in the workplace is vital to make sure our employees look after their own health as well as being able to confidently support others too.

Workplace Health and Wellbeing is a core commitment of RNN Group to improve the wellbeing of all of our staff. During our last week of term, we had a Wellbeing day for all of our staff to access various sessions throughout the day to support them with tips for their health and wellbeing both in and out of the workplace. This comes on top of our newest initiative: offering staff an additional day away from work each year to focus on their wellbeing. This could be engaging in a fun day out or a new activity, or even an extra day to enjoy their favourite hobby, sporting activity, or going for a long walk with the dog. These all count towards improving our health and wellbeing.

The RNN Group is committed with these initiatives to create an environment where people are supported to access help and guidance and a place where health is part of our regular conversation, removing stigma and celebrating inclusivity. We have a coordinated approach to supporting staff and students, reducing duplication and ensuring resources can be maximised and we want to create and instil a culture of active lifestyles within the RNN Group of colleges, engaging all staff and students in physical activity, regardless of their age, background or ability which our gyms – available to staff and students – across the campuses support.
For our students, we believe that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Our enrichment programmes ensure that students can enjoy a variety of activities on offer on a weekly basis over and above those relating to their course. Activities including gaming, football, personal tutor sessions which allow for learning opportunities for life, trips, support sessions and visiting speakers on a variety of topics.

One of our key values as Group is that we are ‘One Team’. This is our focus with regard to Health and Wellbeing at the RNN Group, whether a student or member of staff. We will continue to build on all the work and offerings we have to support everyone’s health and wellbeing to ensure this remains a core part of our commitment to everyone in the RNN family.