Committed to employee health and well-being
Prioritizing employee health and well-being has become a key focus, with initiatives like #FeelGoodOctober demonstrating the bank’s strong commitment to promoting a healthier workplace.
October holds special significance at our bank. During this month, the usual work routine is complemented by a variety of activities designed to promote a healthier lifestyle for our employees. Feel Good October, a comprehensive initiative organized by the People, Learning, and Culture Department, offers a platform for both on-site and outdoor activities throughout the month.
These activities not only promote physical health but also raise awareness on various health and well-being topics. Informative sessions, led by experts in their respective fields, provide employees with valuable insights into mental health, nutrition, and other wellness topics.
Now in its second year, Feel Good October has quickly become one of the bank's most popular and well-received initiatives. It stands out not only in the banking sector but also among other organizations in Kosovo. This program underscores the bank’s commitment to promoting work-life balance for its employees.
Vesa Paca, a dedicated participant in nearly all activities organized as part of the program, shared her thoughts during a hike to Jazhinca Lake, which was attended by dozens of staff members.
She explained why such initiatives are important to her: “The fact that the activities are done in a group has helped me become more disciplined and motivated. An additional benefit is the team of experts engaged by the bank, whose advice and guidance help us physically prepare for every activity,” she said.
Vesa is also part of a smaller group, the Raiffeisen Morning Runners, which participated in two marathons this year – one in Prishtina and another in Tirana. The bank supported their training and participation throughout the year.
From morning runs to mental health sessions
Considering the large workforce within the bank, the program offers a variety of activities to cater to the diverse preferences of all employees. In addition to the hike and morning walks/runs in Germia Park in Prishtina, several outdoor events took place, including team-building exercises and fitness challenges, offering a fun way to stay active.
One such event was a football tournament, which attracted around 100 male competitors. Labinot Lubishtani, an employee at the Ferizaj branch, is passionate about football and couldn’t miss the opportunity to participate.
“I’m a huge football fan, and I really enjoyed the tournament organized by the bank. I also appreciate that the bank supports us not only at the head office but also in other cities, promoting sports and physical activity. It subsidizes these initiatives so that every colleague, regardless of location, can participate and find an activity they enjoy,” he said during the tournament.
Edin Neziri took part in this competition for the first time, yet he still managed to claim the Top Scorer award, netting around 10 goals throughout the tournament. Although his team didn't reach the final, he was excited to have been part of the event.
"I joined the bank this year, and this competition was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my skills and connect with new teammates. The competition was tough, but I'm already looking forward to the next one, and I’m determined to win it," he says.
In addition to physical activities, the bank also organized mental health awareness sessions and workshops on stress management to support employees in maintaining their overall well-being.
This included a session to raise awareness for breast cancer, a session with a wellness coach focused on the role of physical activity in preventing chronic diseases and boosting overall health, blood donation drives, as well as a presentation on the role of fathers in parenting.
The program culminated in the planting of over 400 trees and greenery across one hectare in Bregu i Diellit in Prishtina. This was a direct result of the colleagues' involvement in a challenge as part of the program, committing to plant a tree for every distance walked or run by participants.
Activities expected to grow further
Building strong connections among employees is essential. These kinds of activities provide valuable opportunities to improve communication and foster a sense of belonging within the team. As a result, organizations worldwide are increasingly prioritizing such initiatives, and Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo has become a shining example of this commitment.
Iliriana Toçi, a Board Member at the bank and the sponsor of Health and Well-being topic, emphasized that these initiatives are a top priority and will continue to expand in the future:
“Activities like these have been eagerly anticipated by our colleagues, which is why it’s clear that we must continue our efforts in this area,” she said during an interview with RaiMagazine.
Shqipe Shala from the People, Culture, and Learning Department, who is primarily responsible for health and well-being initiatives, expressed her satisfaction with the bank's strong commitment in this area.
“It’s inspiring to see how engaged our employees are, and we are focused on promoting a supportive environment that prioritizes their health and well-being,” she said.
[This article was originally published in the third edition of RaiMagazine, the bank's newsletter]