Work-Life Balance as Part of the Foundation’s Institutional Strengthening

Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation announces the introduction of the Work-Life Balance Policy — an internal document developed within the framework of the organization’s institutional strengthening strategy as part of the project “Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation,” implemented by the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation with technical support of UN Women Ukraine and financial support from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). The Policy is already being applied in the team’s daily work and formalizes the Foundation’s approach to building a safe, ethical, and non-discriminatory working environment.

At its core lies the value of respect for the dignity, needs, and personal space of every individual. We are guided by the principle that to effectively support others, the team itself must remain resourceful, psychologically resilient, and protected.

In the context of war, ongoing humanitarian challenges, and high emotional workload, maintaining a balance between work and personal life is not a formality, but an essential condition for organizational sustainability.

Key Approaches of the Policy

Flexibility of work organization: an adaptive schedule within a 40-hour workweek, opportunities for remote and hybrid work, and prioritization of staff safety in the event of security or energy-related disruptions.

Right to disconnect: defined working hours for internal communications and the right not to respond to work messages outside working hours, except in urgent humanitarian or security-related situations.

Mental health support: additional days for emotional recovery (Mental Health Days), encouragement of full annual leave, and implementation of team support activities.

Gender-sensitive and inclusive approach: the Foundation takes into account different caregiving roles, security risks, and regional living conditions. The Policy aims to ensure equal opportunities and a fair distribution of workload.

Culture of solidarity:  encouraging open dialogue about workload, mutual support, and shared responsibility for maintaining team resilience.

Importantly, the implementation of the Policy goes beyond a formal document. Within the project “Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation,” a comprehensive set of activities is being carried out to support mental well-being, develop personal competencies, and enhance stress resilience among the Foundation’s staff and volunteers. Conducted training sessions and resource-recovery activities complement the Policy with practical tools for its implementation. 

This approach ensures that the principles of work-life balance are embedded not only in written policy but in the organization’s daily practice.

The project “Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation” is implemented by the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation with technical support of UN Women Ukraine and and financial support from the The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), a flexible and rapid financing mechanism that supports quality interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of local women in conflict prevention, crisis and emergency response, and leveraging key peacebuilding opportunities.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), but the views and content expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the United Nations.