Health & Wellness Committee (RCCT)

We are proud to be a part of the Russian Chamber of Commerce Texas in the development and leadership of the Health & Wellness Committee. In our efforts to bring to light the importance of mental and physical health, we are working to provide resources, education, training to promote wellness to companies, employees and families. To that end, we are will be working with 5 initiatives that are listed below as the focus of the committee. Take a moment to review the mission and key initiatives. If you are interested in joining the committee or have any ideas you would like to share, please contact Sara Rozin. Her email and telephone number are listed below.

The Mission of the Health & Wellness Committee is to assist US multinational businesses to create and maintain a culture of physical and mental health that will benefit both US employees on overseas assignment as well as local employees and employers in host communities and to  strengthen ties between the Texas Medical Center and healthcare providers in Russia.

The Health and Wellness Committee has five key initiatives to:

1.    Develop and maintain a Workplace Wellness Website with information that will help employees stay healthy, especially while on overseas assignments.

2.    Coordinate Executive Health referrals for Russian business visitors. 

3.    Host teleconferences and facilitate telemedicine consultation between healthcare providers in Russia and the Texas Medical Center.

4.    Coordinate healthcare programs between U.S. and Russian universities, medical schools, federal, local and regional governmental agencies.

5.    Facilitate medical specialists and student exchanges and training between U.S. and Russian medical institutions.

the Health and Wellness Committee brings to our partners the resources of the world’s largest medical center. These resources include the combined expertise and experience of 14 hospitals, 2 specialty institutions, and 2 trauma centers as well as 3 medical schools, 6 nursing schools, in addition to schools of dentistry, public health, and pharmacy that train virtually all health-related careers.

If you would like more information or would like to join the RCCT Health and Wellness Committee, contact: Sara Rozin, M.S., Tel: 832-452-1592 E-mail: sararozin@aol.com

Expat Assignment Challenges

According to recent surveys, about 20% of all expatriate assignments fail. The mental, emotional and psychological challenges of adjusting to a new culture and work environment are often greater than either the company or expatriate expects. In addition to the very real consequences of culture shock, stress, burnout and family troubles all to often seem to accompany the expatriate assignment. Of the 20% "failed assignments," it is estimate that approximately 60% of them are due to family related difficulties.

1. You may need a helping hand to assist in the myriad of adjustment issues that will prevail. Ultimately, if the expat is returned home prematurely, the stated business objectives suffer and don't get me. What can be done about this?

1. Provide pre-departure orientation or cross-cultural training. (An introduction to the culture, history, language and business customs of the new country is invaluable.)
2. Talk with expats who have returned from your destination culture before you move there. Ask questions about schooling, housing, child care, medical care, and social life.
3. Check to see if your company has an expatriate manual available.
4. Make sure you understand the job assignment as well as the living situation. 
5. Be sure to be available to your family during weekends and personal time to help with adjustment problems.
6. Have patience and take time to acclimate yourself to the new culture.
7. Plan activities to learn about your new environment.
8. Stay in touch with family and friends via the Internet.
9. Make friends with local colleagues outside the workplace.

Remember, have fun and a sense of adventure. Don't be afraid to try new things.