Committee Shines the Spotlight on Staff Wellness

As surrounded as they are by surgeons day in and day out, one would assume the staff of Stanford Surgery would have wellness on lock. In truth, they certainly look the part with antibac dispensers and refillable water bottles on every desk. But is physical health all "wellness" encompasses?

“This year’s Get Fit Challenge differs from previous years because the focus of wasn’t all about how many steps you can rack up," said Stanford Surgery Staff Wellness Committee Director Julia Miranda. “We wanted to incorporate not only physical fitness but mental, emotional and social well-being.”

Avengers: FitGames was a department-wide 10-week competition that combined team activities with individual self-determined challenges.

“At first, I joined because it felt like it was a requirement …and to represent my division,” said Laksman Veeravagu, an administrative associate in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “However, the activities turned out to be a lot of fun. It was a great way to get away from the desk, shift gears from the norm, engage in something physical and spend time bonding with my coworkers.”

“Our weekly events encouraged people to get outside,” said Miranda. “We also focused on achieving personal goals—no matter how small—to make the overall tournament more approachable and inclusive of all fitness levels.”

“I set a ‘yoga in the morning’ challenge and a ‘take the stairs up to the fifth floor’ challenge,” said Massa Kandakai-Atupem, a financial analyst with surgery operations. “I think the DIY aspect allowed me to think of something I could enjoy and really commit to… so much so that I am still doing both now that the challenge is over.”

Unlike in previous years, the department’s formal focus on wellness will continue past the end of the annual Get Fit Challenge thanks to Miranda and the other seven members of the new committee.

"The Department of Surgery has always done a fantastic job providing opportunities for their staff, but I wanted to go a step further and make it a more regular occurrence by bringing together a group of creative individuals to encourage wellness to our staff all year long," said Miranda. “Being well involves more than having a once a year event. It is a continued process that needs to be kept up long term to promote a healthier and happier work environment for all.”

Events currently in the works include the 2^nd Annual Holiday Desk Decorating Contest, a breast cancer awareness seminar and a healthy recipe potluck. A mindfulness-based stress reduction workshop has already been planned for September.

“I think the ongoing workshops are a good way to instill that wellness is a long-term endeavor, not just a one-time challenge,” said Veeravagu. “I think workshops like this—designed to improve wellness on a daily basis—will really help staff become better employees and lead healthier lives at work and at home.”

“Thriving Through Change: The Enduring Benefits of Resiliency Through Mindfulness” will take place on Monday, September 9^th at 11AM in Alway M112. Add the event to your calendar.