The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is running a year-long programme of engagement activities for its staff to mark its 100th birthday, including a reward scheme, walks and runs, and a number of charity initiatives.
In recognition of the role employees have played over its 100-year history, the RCN introduced a reward and recognition scheme in January, which will run throughout the year. Through the scheme, Centenary Shillings, senior managers and the RCN's executive team award a digital shilling to employees that have gone above and beyond. The employee subsequently receives a notification of the award and the reason why they have been recognised.
The organisation is supplying all of its offices with party packs to help prepare for a UK-wide staff party this autumn. It is also hosting an employee bake off competition, with a number of regional heats taking place across its 17 UK offices before the final round in October.
The year-long programme of events also includes physical activities; employees can take part in 100 metre sprint races around the UK ahead of a grand finale sprint competition to be held at a racetrack in London.
In addition to engaging staff and celebrating the RCN's centenary, a number of the events have also been developed to raise funds for charity and give back to the community, such as a 100 Acts of Kindness initiative in support of Age UK. The organisation has also sponsored a giant Galapagos tortoise hatchling for every RCN office, with a selfie competition where staff pose with soft-toy versions of their tortoises running until November.
Employees are also taking part in a walk around the UK to raise money for the RCN Foundation. The We Carry the Lamp: RCN Walk 100 sees staff carry a replica of Florence Nightingale’s lamp to each RCN office across the country, with every staff member offered the chance to walk a leg of the planned relay.
So far, 38% of the RCN’s workforce have taken part in the RCN Walk 100, with employees collecting over £3,500 for the RCN Foundation to date.
Sarah Baker, HR recruitment manager at the RCN, said: "Throughout 2016 we are incredibly proud to be celebrating 100 years of the Royal College of Nursing. Since 1916 our staff have pioneered professional standards, shaped health policies, and promoted excellence in practice.
“I am sure our celebrations will continue into next year, where we will be running further initiatives to increase engagement.”
