NIH Kicks Off Quality of Work Life Week
What makes NIH a good place to work? What can be done to make it better? On May 12, the agency will address these questions publicly when it joins the Department of Health and Human Services to celebrate the Quality of Work Life Week -- a week of fun activities designed to inform, involve and honor NIH employees.
"The week will draw unprecedented attention to issues that affect the ability of employees to balance work, family, and personal responsibilities and needs," said Marvene Horwitz, chairperson of the NIH quality of work life committee. Comprised of a diverse group of NIH employees, the committee planned the week following its work on the NIH Quality of Work Life Strategy -- a document published in March
The week will begin with a teleconference video presentation by HHS Secretary Donna Shalala in Masur Auditorium, Bldg. 10, on Monday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m. Following the video, Dr. Ruth Kirschstein, NIH deputy director, will host an awards ceremony to honor NIH'ers who have instituted successful programs and policies to increase employee morale and productivity. Video links with NIEHS, Hamilton, Mont., and Baltimore facilities will be available for these events. Also on May 12 from 1 to 4 p.m., an employee information fair will be held in the lobby of the Clinical Center. Representatives of NIH organizations such as the Recreation and Welfare Association, day care committee, lactation support program and security office will distribute information and answer questions. A Web site devoted to quality of work life issues will be unveiled at the fair. Employees will also be able to participate in the Quality of Work Life Suggestion Program -- a contest to solicit employees' constructive ideas. The contest entry form will also be available to all employees on the QWL Web site.
Refer to the schedule below for the rest of the week's events and plan to attend. "Employee participation is critical to the week's success and the committee's future direction," Horwitz said.
Monday, May 12:
- Kick Off Event, NIH Awards Ceremony and Employee Information Fair;
Masur Auditorium, 1 - 4 p.m. - Flexi-place panel presentation;
Parklawn Bldg., room and time TBA
Tuesday, May 13:
- Job Shift Video with William Bridges;
Rockledge II, 9th floor conference center, Natcher, Rm. J & Masur,
1 - 2 p.m. - Information tables for employees;
EPS and Solar Bldgs., cafeteria main entrances, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 14:
- HHS Department Awards Ceremony via video;
Rockledge II, 9th floor conference center, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Information tables for employees;
Gateway Bldg., 3rd Fl. Break Rm., 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Employee Assistance Program Presentation;
Parklawn Bldg., room and time TBA
Thursday, May 15:
- Video program on Work and Family Issues;
Rockledge II, 9th floor conference center and EPN, Rm. H, 1-1:30 p.m. - NIH day care oversight committee brown bag seminar,
"The Relationship Between Family Child Care & Child Development: Implications for Family and Policy;
Bldg. 1, Wilson Hall, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Employee Security Presentation;
Parklawn Bldg., time TBA - Information Table for Employees;
Rockledge I Fitness Center, Rm. 5070, 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Friday, May 16:
- Employee Information Fair;
Parklawn Bldg., time TBA
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