The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) has launched its new Wellbeing Framework, an initiative aimed at promoting a culture of wellbeing across the organisation. The goal is to foster an environment where everyone feels well, empowered and motivated to grow both personally and professionally.

The framework is built around four key dimensions: Feel Well, Feel Connected, Feel Empowered and Feel Welcomed. These pillars take a holistic approach to physical and emotional health, relationships, empowerment and inclusion within the institute.

“The launch of the Wellbeing Framework reflects VHIR’s commitment to building an inclusive, people-centred organisational culture that promotes a healthy, balanced and enriching work environment”, highlights Olalla Bagüés, Human Resources director at VHIR.

The Wellbeing Days

The programme kicked off this October with the Wellbeing Days, a series of activities focused on staff health and quality of life, taking a holistic view of wellbeing.

Over the course of these days, more than 100 VHIR professionals enjoyed workshops, challenges, social activities and resources designed to bring the Framework’s pillars to life and to strengthen both personal and professional wellbeing. These included training sessions on effective time and stress management, healthy habits and strategies to enhance wellbeing; workshops on healthy meal planning and personal leadership; and activities such as yoga, laughter therapy, meditation and language exchange sessions.

Participants’ feedback has been highly positive. “These sessions helped me recharge my energy and feel more valued and supported by the institution”, says Katerina Papadakis, member of the Preclinical Core Facilities team at VHIR. “It shows that the institution truly cares about the wellbeing of its workers. Taking care of yourself professionally and personally has a positive impact on those around you: if you feel well, the people next to you will too”, adds Dr. Jordi Bové, principal investigator of the Neurodegenerative Diseases group at VHIR.