Dear Colleagues,
This month, the UBS Cooking School and community events calendars are packed with fun and engaging classes, events, and activations. Included are some delicious recipes for you to enjoy, as well as highlights of some of our Cooking School classes, Wellness Wednesday classes, and upcoming community events. Please join us for these exciting “Key Occasions.”
Regards,
The Community Management Team
Apples are the September Superfood! In this recipe for apple compote, we have offered a basic formula as a base that is delicious on its own or easily customized. You can add spices like cinnamon or cloves, aromatics like ginger or citrus zest, or extracts like vanilla. Keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness of the fruit and juice you use will affect how much sweetener you will want to add, so taste throughout the cooking process and add the sweetener in small batches until it is sweetened to your liking.
Customizable Apple Compote
Makes about 1 cup (236 mL)
Ingredients:
½ cup (118 mL) tart cherry or cranberry juice, or water
½ cup (113 g) packed and chopped dried fruit, a mix of tart (such as sour cherries or cranberries) and sweet (such as dates, figs, prunes, apples, or raisins)
2 small apples, peeled and cut into a small dice
1 - 4 tbsp (13 - 50 g) white sugar, brown sugar, or honey
Instructions:
For this month’s recipe, I wanted to share a simple salmon cooking technique you can use often. Once you master it, you will be able to prepare salmon without the recipe and can use your creativity to customize it with different sauces or pair it with various sides.
Pan-Seared Salmon
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 (6 oz; 170 g) salmon fillets, skin on
1 - 2 tbsp (14 - 27 g) olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Join our talented trainers and enjoy a great workout in one of our group fitness classes. To sign up for the session of your choice, stop by the Fitness Center or email SH-Raleigh-FitnessCenter@ubs.com.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
Wednesdays:
Thursdays:
Who has a birthday in September and is ready to celebrate? During each month, we host a Birthday Bash, complete with cake and a cheerful rendition of "Happy Birthday" sung to all of our co-workers with birthdays within the month. Our next celebration will take place on Thursday, September 3 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the Falcons Room. Please register below to secure your spot:
Every month, our Wellness Manager and registered dietitian Maya Billig (MS, RD, CDN) hosts informative virtual Wellness Wednesday classes. Don't miss this month's classes, be sure to sign up below!
Our cafeteria continues to delight and surprise us all month long with tasty offerings that will be available on the days listed below. Don’t miss out on these special items:
The UBS Cooking School offers free, virtual classes daily where employees can practice their cooking skills and prepare fantastic recipes designed by our onsite chefs. A few of our popular, upcoming classes are featured below:
September 18: Retro Baking: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
September 21: Dominican Steak, Fried Plantains, & Sauced Onions
September 25: Stacked! The Ultimate Guide to the Fluffiest Pancakes
September 28: Bratwurst Mac & Cheese with Pretzel Breadcrumbs
Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School
Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event on Flu Awareness on Thursday, September 17 at Exchange Cafe from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. All are welcome and no registration is required. Stop by to speak with our providers to learn more about how to protect yourself this flu season!
Enjoy a variety of board games and card games guaranteed to bring light-hearted fun into your day! There will be a raffle with a prize of a new game each month, and snacks and refreshments will be served. We will meet on Tuesday, September 15 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the café seating area. Please register below so we know to expect you:
Game on! It's time to hit the field for an afternoon of friendly competition and team spirit as we play flag football together! All materials will be provided. Whether you're making game-winning catches or cheering on your colleagues, all are welcome to join the fun! We will meet on the grassy area by basketball court on Wednesday, September 16 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Space is limited, so please register below to secure your spot:
Are you looking for a cozy activity to finish off the workday? Join Raleigh's knitting club! This group will be led by an instructor with years of experience in different styles of knitting. All skill levels are welcome, and instructional resources will be made available each session. As space is limited, we ask that you please register by emailing us here. In your email, please include some information on your skill level and what items you are interested in crafting.
We will meet in the Tar Heels Room on Tuesday, September 22 and in the Seahawks Room on Wednesday, September 23 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ready, aim - bullseye! Step up to the board and see if you have what it takes to become Raleigh's new darts champion, where the winner will win a prize. We will meet in the Wednesday, September 23 in Alfred Escher Auditorium C from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Please register below so we know to expect you - and let the games begin!
Paint & Sip is back this September! Celebrate the beauty of the season with a fall-themed painting experience. Relax, unwind, and let your creativity flow while our talented instructor guides you through each brushstroke. We will meet in Alfred Escher Auditorium C on Thursday, September 24 from 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Spots are limited, so please register below to secure your spot.
Don't miss our Fun Fest, where we will feature a medley of carnival-themed snacks and games! We will meet in Alfred Escher Auditorium C on Tuesday, September 29 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please register below so we know to expect you. We can't wait to see you there!
Think you know your teammates? It's time to test your skills at Mini Athletes & Matchups! Now it's your turn to analyze the throwback photos, study their game faces, and match each mini athlete to your colleague - where the winner gets a prize! Match the photos and place your votes on Wednesday, September 30 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Exchange Café seating area. Please register below so we know to expect you:
When your calendar is packed and your to-do list keeps growing, taking a break can feel counterproductive. But stepping away from your desk - even for a few minutes - can actually help you feel more focused, energized, and productive.
Micro-breaks are short pauses - often just a few minutes - that give your brain and body a chance to reset. They can be as simple as standing up to stretch, walking to refill your water bottle, taking a few deep breaths, or stepping outside for some fresh air.
Long stretches of sitting and screen time can leave you feeling stiff, tired, and mentally drained. Breaking up those periods with small bursts of movement can help you feel more energized while giving your eyes and mind a much-needed break.
Try building micro-breaks into your workday instead of waiting until you feel exhausted. Take a lap around the office between meetings, stand while taking a phone call, or spend five minutes outside at lunchtime. You can even set a calendar reminder to prompt you to move.
The goal isn't to work less - it’s to work better. A few intentional pauses throughout your day can help you reset, recharge, and return to your work with renewed focus. So the next time you feel stuck, step away - you may come back with a fresh perspective.
As we transition from summer into fall, September provides an excellent opportunity to refocus on sustainable habits and the impact our daily choices can have on the environment. This month also marks Zero Waste Week, an international campaign that encourages individuals and organizations to reduce waste, rethink consumption, and make the most of available resources. By taking small actions to prevent waste before it is created, we can collectively reduce our environmental footprint and support our sustainability goals.
To recognize these important sustainability initiatives, we are excited to celebrate Zero Waste Day on September 23. UBS facilities teams across the globe are planning activities to raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling best practices, and sustainable living. Whether through educational events, waste audits, recycling challenges, or simply making more mindful choices throughout the day, Zero Waste Day is an opportunity for all of us to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Sustainability is built through consistent actions, and every effort makes a difference. By participating in Zero Waste Day and embracing simple waste-reduction practices throughout the month, we can continue to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and make meaningful progress toward our sustainability objectives. Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a more sustainable workplace and community.
Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Your Coworkers This Flu Season
Common flu symptoms include the following:
The flu vaccine remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of illness, severe complications, and hospitalization. Free flu vaccines are available to UBS employees at the Premise Health Center. Schedule your vaccination today to help protect yourself and those around you.
We’re Here to Support You
All benefits-eligible employees can access our Health Center Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., schedule online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling your dedicated health center. No cost, 30-minute mental health consults are available with Behavioral Health. Telehealth visits carry no charge for both Primary Care and Behavioral Health.