Thursday 6 December 2018 11:47am
A group of staff, led by Unipol Programme Coordinator Kat Harpur, take part in the Walk and Talk - part of a series of Chill-Out Lunchtime sessions organised by Unipol. Photo: Sharron Bennett.
A Unipol initiative to encourage staff away from their desks and into some physical activity over their lunch breaks has proved popular.
For the past three weeks, Unipol has run a programme of weekday Chill-Out Lunchtime sessions – all with catchy names: Demystifying Mindfulness, Nimble Netball, Have a Go Yoga, Talk and Walk and Frisbee Golf – and all held in the heart of the Dunedin campus.
Unipol Marketing & Wellbeing Coordinator Christine MacDonell says the sessions are part of a Summer Wellbeing Programme – Let’s Get Physical – and are designed to make it easy for staff to attend.
“We understand that even with fewer students on campus, staff are busy at this time of year, so hoped offering an activity during lunchtime in the heart of campus would make accessibility easier and uncomplicated – allowing staff to attend and do something positive for themselves during their lunchtime.”
"The feedback we have been getting has been really positive. Staff have appreciated the activities being based close to their office and at a time that is accessible during their working day."
All sessions have begun at 12.30pm and ended within the hour, allowing staff to return to their office, Ms MacDonell says.
“Most activities are drop-in and each activity is held on the same day and at the same time for three weeks – either in Smithells Gym or on the Union Lawn. The two activities that have required registration are netball and Frisbee golf, and that is because they involve teams so a draw is required. These two sports have been a great way for departments to sign a team up and participate in an unrelated work activity while challenging another department.”
Ms MacDonell says the programme exemplifies what recreation is about: “Offering a variety of easily accessible activities in a relaxed environment so participants can recharge physically and mentally and, most importantly, have fun!”
While the weather hasn’t been wonderful, the response of staff to the activities has, she says.
“Most lunchtime chill-out activities have had around 15 to 30 participants. The feedback we have been getting has been really positive. Staff have appreciated the activities being based close to their office and at a time that is accessible during their working day.”
Alongside the lunchtime sessions, which began on Monday 19 November and end this Friday, the Let’s Get Physical initiative includes $60 summer Unipol memberships for staff, and for Dunedin youths (Year 7 to 13 school pupils).
Ms MacDonell hopes to continue to develop the summer programme – perhaps making it part of departmental end of year celebrations.
“We are always trying new things and refining them for future success.”
The winners of the Chill-Out Lunchtime Nimble Netball series - Colleges United.