The event was attended by representatives of more than a dozen higher education institutions and research institutes from across Poland. Among the guests were also the Chair of the IROs Forum, dr inż. Izabela Zawiska and Monika Zaremba, Coordinator of the EURAXESS Poland Network and the NAWA‑EURAXESS Programme for institutions. The Forum, held under the motto “We support people, we improve operations”, focused on the needs of those who, in Polish universities, provide daily support to others, thus implementing the principles of the #HumaneUniversity.
The meeting was opened by a lecture delivered by Prof. Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for Internationalisation of Science and Education, devoted to the scientific foundations of happiness. The first day featured panel sessions addressing the challenges faced on a daily basis by specialists working in Welcome Points: the introduction of the electronic MOS system in residence legalisation procedures, as well as the art of setting boundaries in work that is based not only on procedures but above all on relationships with people. Participants also had an opportunity to learn about good practices implemented in various institutions and to exchange experiences during less formal networking meetings.
The second day of the Forum had a more workshop-oriented nature. It began with a working meeting of the International Staff Welcome Points group of the IROs Forum. During the workshops, Dr Piotr Kępski, Director of the NAWA Programmes for Institutions Office and author of the book “Dobrostan i zdrowie pracowników. Jak budować pozytywną organizację” [Employee Well-being and Health. How to Build a Positive Organisation], and Anna Stępkowska, a psychologist, psychotherapist and business coach, equipped participants with tools enabling them to take care of employee well-being and prevent burnout.
The 2nd Staff Welcome Centre Forum was not only an opportunity to gain knowledge and exchange good practices, but also a space for building relationships and developing cooperation between universities. The meeting marked another step towards creating a strong and supportive community of professionals.
Full photo coverage of the Forum
Source: Dominika Szymańska, Employee Affairs Centre, University of Lodz
Zdjęcia: Maciej Andrzejewski, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
The Forum was financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange under the Welcome to Poland (2023) programme.
