Great Place to Work Journey Creating a Culture of Excellence

Today’s Presentation Will Cover What is the Great Place to Work Journey? What makes a Great Place to Work? The university’s journey so far… Progress Change at the local level Current findings What you can do to help balance your work & life to create your own great place to work

What is the Great Place to Work Journey? NY Times Reporter asked to write a book about the 100 best places to work for in America – 20+ years ago Collected data, conducted interviews, created the initial list Led to follow-up book and ultimately the Great Place to Work Institute

What Makes a Great Place to Work? Institute began to question and understand common characteristics among best place to work companies. Looked for commonalities on programs – training, performance management, compensation, etc. None discovered - no real trends or commonalities.

What Makes a Great Place to Work? Three features existed in all the companies that made the list: You trust the people you work for You have pride in what you do You enjoy the people you work with

We are measuring at both the institutional and the individual department levels

The University at Buffalo’s Journey Begins… At the start of this endeavor we requested input from staff and faculty on what they thought needed to be done to make UB a great place to work – Over 2,500 staff reached and provided feedback on university-wide issues.

From These Initial Conversations: Wellness and Work/Life Balance More Robust EAP Function Organizational Training and Development Volunteer Program – CORE Discount Program for Employees Proposing More Flexible Scheduling New Employee Orientation Recognition Programs

Measurement at Local & National Level Tell Us What You Think! www.hr.buffalo.edu/greatplace

Building a Great Place to Work at the Local Level Matters related to pay, taxation, and benefits can be complex but are fundamentally connected to our employees’ satisfaction.

Building a Great Place to Work Step 1 – Develop a customized climate survey Step 2 – Presentation to department outlining process Step 3 – Administer survey and analyze results Step 4 – Present survey results & share what areas are in need of focus Step 5 – Meet in small (5-7) focus group to discuss climate survey Step 6 – Present recommendations to improve work culture.

Building a Great Place to Work Positive Trends Treated with respect by department leaders Pride in work Flexibility and Work/Life Balance Commitment to Professional Development The University is a Great Place to Work

Building a Great Place to Work Areas of Focus Honest and Clear Communication Greater involvement of employees in the decision-making process Recognition and appreciation of employees Building Camaraderie

What’s Your Role? Bring us to your department to conduct an assessment Continuous feedback opportunities are available online at http://www.hr.buffalo.edu/greatplace Realize that everyone has a personal responsibility to contribute to making this a better workplace. Taking care of your own work/life balance helps contribute to a better work environment!

Family Work Self Friends Meaningful Daily ACHIEVEMENT and ENJOYMENT In Each of Life’s Four Quadrants: Family Work Self Friends

Achieving Your Own Work/Life Balance There is no “one size fits all answer” to achieving work/life balance. Everyone’s responsibilities are different. There is no room for guilt in any effort to achieve this goal. There are ways that cost money, but more that do not. Don’t allow yourself to put “you” last!

Exercise & Fitness

Exercise And Fitness UB Recreation and Intramurals Walking program Gym discounts UB community events Exercises at your desk Weight Watchers at Work Better food choices at work/in meetings

Flexible Work Arrangements

Alternate Work Arrangements Types: Flextime Compressed work weeks Job sharing Telecommuting Part-time schedules

Alternate Work Arrangements Why? Increased productivity Improved morale Use as recruiting tool Retains more employees Good for the environment Reduces absenteeism and tardiness

Utilize Employee Discounts

Utilize Employee Discounts Tickets at Work Cell Phone Discounts Car Dealership Discounts SUNY Perks Hair Salons Fitness Facilities Campus Discounts

Stress Management

Stress Management Reach out to EAP Desktop Spa NYS Balance IAMT Meditation Sessions Remember: Don’t put yourself last!

Questions?

Wellness and Work/Life Balance Team Ready to Balance? Amy Myszka, Director amyszka@buffalo.edu 645-5357 Lydia Broughton-Wilder lb42@buffalo.edu 645-5347 Pete Logiudice pjl2@buffalo.edu 645-1528 Contact us! Wellness & Work Life Balance: Kathie Frier 645-5347 Amy Myszka 645-5357