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RNU Staff Engagement
December 20, 2023
Last year, RNU conducted an Internal Communications & Engagement Audit and Strategy aimed to explore opportunities to improve engagement with our members, volunteers, and staff.
As indicated in the audit, enhancing better communication, morale, confidence, and trust among staff was a key priority for the RNU Board of Directors.
Social Committee
This past spring, staff created a social committee to plan activities and create opportunities for colleagues to connect with each other while having fun.
The social committee created a Social Bingo Card to encourage participation in planned summer events. Staff who participated in an activity listed on the card received a sticker, and this generated a lot of excitement and friendly competition among coworkers. Activities included staff barbeques, group hikes, tree planting for world environment day, and more. Other items on the card reflected positive gestures in the workplace, such as thanking a coworker for a job well done, holding the door open, and starting or unloading the dishwasher in RNU’s communal kitchen.
Staff Beach Fire
On June 22, the RNU team kicked off summer with a Family Beach Fire at Topsail Beach. We made smores, ‘spider’ wieners, and had lots of Kool-Aid jammers on hand. It was a great and fun evening socializing together with our families.
RNU staff and their families at the Family Fire, including children, grandchildren, and dogs.
Staff Hikes
During the warmer days, a few group hikes and happy hours occurred, including Regatta Roulette, hiking the East Coast Trail, and hanging out at the Quidi Vidi pedestrian-friendly garden.
Labour Relations Officers Linda MacPherson, Lori Upshall, and Ross Tansley, along with Digital Communications Coordinator Jennifer Brown, hiked the Sugar Loaf Trail in August.
Staff Boat Tour
In September, we said goodbye to summer with a staff boat tour aboard the Iceberg Quest, a two-hour cruise from St. John’s Harbour to Cape Spear, return. Despite a few rough patches of turbulent waters, it was a happy sailing!
A few staff overlooking the water of St. John’s Harbour and Newfoundland’s iconic Battery neighbourhood.
Staff BBQs
When the weather was nice, the RNU team hosted weekly staff barbeques. The most memorable BBQ we had this year was for our Thanksgiving social. The social committee planned a few games with prizes, and there was even a secret lucky plate!
RNU’s Accountant, Tobie Black, had the lucky plate and took home a frozen turkey as the Thanksgiving Social grand prize.
Winter Socials
Planning is underway for a variety of activities to engage staff throughout the darker, colder months. A major event that we have planned is a Staff Retreat, scheduled for the end of January. This one-night, two-day retreat will be held at the Wilds Resort in Holyrood. The agenda includes facilitated learning and discussion sessions, along with plenty of fun activities to allow for laughs, rest, and rejuvenation. We’re looking forward to strengthening our connections and sense of pride in our work as we head into a busy 2024 year!
