ER's Workplace Survey Committee shifts gears

The Employee Relations Workplace Survey (WPS) Committee, comprised of members Ashlee Ciliberti, Carmen Piza, Emily DiBenigno, Georgia Masell, Jodie Paul-Arndt, Kristi Gibson, Sarah Hauswirth, and Valena Bewry, has been very busy recently. In March of 2020, shortly before Yale transitioned to remote working, the team began reviewing the results of the 2019 WPS. Once the pandemic hit, they had to shift gears slightly to focus on the 2019 survey feedback and address the challenges of adjusting to a remote work experience. The team gathered feedback through subsequent surveys and set action plans into place, which included the launch of a Teams page to connect and share resources related to well-being. The team has also contributed to enhancing ER’s monthly Quarantine Life newsletter. 

It’s not all work and no fun, though! In addition to hosting some virtual happy hours and a Halloween event last October, the committee has recently started sharing Shout Outs and celebrating staff anniversaries each month. The Shout Outs provide an opportunity for staff to recognize a colleague for anything from a job well done to a special thank you for support or good teamwork.  

The committee is now looking forward to developing an HRG support group that will enable new hires to access regular check-ins and learn from more senior colleagues and subject matter experts (SMEs). They also plan to host team collaboration sessions to facilitate conversations about topics such as stress management and COVID-19 workplace guidance training.