I am catching up on events of the week, and the continued acts of violence disturbs me to the point where I am experiencing so many mixed feelings. I feel both anger and sadness at the same time, and so many of you are probably experiencing similar emotions. Be assured that you are not alone. If you need someone to talk to about your emotions, please take care of yourself. Remember that ASR needs you, the University and its students need you. You provide valuable information and necessary processes to keep this place running smoothly. Thank you very much!
I heard a quote on my Minnesota Department of Health call that really resonated with me: “Progress is impossible without change, and those that cannot change their minds, cannot change anything.” The more I think about this quote, the more I think about it during meetings. ASR wouldn’t be a leader in so many areas if we just remained status quo. I really enjoy the energy so many of you bring to various projects, problems and issues, and putting the students first. Wow! I am so impressed with all of you. I don’t let you know this often enough.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
OUE DEI survey
The Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) is looking for feedback regarding their efforts to better align OUE's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work with the DEI work being done in individual units. If you have any insights or interest in being involved with this work, please complete this feedback survey no later than April 23, 2021.
Performance Appraisal timeline
Some of you have run into issues when trying to sign your performance appraisals in Jadu. It is coded so that you cannot sign until April 5. See the timeline below for a reminder:
- Friday, February 26 - Employees submit their form in Jadu.
- Friday, March 12 - Supervisors submit completed forms in Jadu.
- Sunday, March 28 - Directors complete review on all appraisals for their unit.
- Friday, April 2 - Directors complete review for consistency across ASR.
- April 5-30 - Supervisors and employees meet to review the appraisal.
ASR supervisors have access to edit the documents.
- If there are minor changes that need to be made, go ahead and edit directly in the document.
- If there are big changes, such as a job reclass, make a copy of the existing job description for that employee (File > Make a Copy) and work off of the new document.
- Notify Megan Wollner (woll0122@umn.edu) that there is an old job description that needs to be archived.
- If a job description for an employee is not in the folder, create a new one in the appropriate location.
ASR Staff Engagement March 25th Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey 3/25/2021 explores the work/life balance, which refers to the equilibrium between one’s personal life and career work. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
The results of the March 11, 2021 survey revealed most have participated in a professional development activity in the past year (93.9%). When asked about preferred formats for furthering professional development, there was a strong preference for webinars/presentations. This was followed by self-paced training, an instructor-led course, and group discussions, which all received a similar number of responses. A little over half of respondents reported having some success fitting professional development into their schedule, but wished they had more time for it (51.5%).
We had several great suggestions on professional development topics folks would like to pursue, including user experience, diversity and inclusion, managing teams remotely, trends in higher education, and change management strategies. Finally, we had a hotly contested question on the best Girl Scout cookie. Caramel deLites (Samoas) took home the crown as ASR’s favorite cookie, followed closely by Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties (Tagalongs).
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Make sure to check out the results from the last survey, including some additional articles and resources, below.
February 25, 2021 survey results
Have you participated in a professional development activity in the past year?
Do you feel that you are able to fit professional development into your schedule?
What is the best Girl Scout cookie?
The results of the March 11, 2021 survey revealed most have participated in a professional development activity in the past year (93.9%). When asked about preferred formats for furthering professional development, there was a strong preference for webinars/presentations. This was followed by self-paced training, an instructor-led course, and group discussions, which all received a similar number of responses. A little over half of respondents reported having some success fitting professional development into their schedule, but wished they had more time for it (51.5%).
We had several great suggestions on professional development topics folks would like to pursue, including user experience, diversity and inclusion, managing teams remotely, trends in higher education, and change management strategies. Finally, we had a hotly contested question on the best Girl Scout cookie. Caramel deLites (Samoas) took home the crown as ASR’s favorite cookie, followed closely by Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties (Tagalongs).
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Make sure to check out the results from the last survey, including some additional articles and resources, below.
February 25, 2021 survey results
Have you participated in a professional development activity in the past year?
- 93.9% Yes
- 6.1% No
- 72.7% Webinar/presentation
- 33.3% Self-paced training
- 39.4% Instructor-led course
- 27.3% Group discussion on a specific topic
- 3% Attending conferences
- 3% Blogs, online journals
Do you feel that you are able to fit professional development into your schedule?
- 36.4% Yes, I’ve had success fitting that in my schedule
- 51.5% Yes, but I wish I had more time for it
- 2.1% No, I typically don’t have time for that
- Keeping up with federal and state law/regulation changes
- Leadership and conflict resolution
- Trends in higher education
- Statistical tools and methods
- Project Management
- Digital accessibility
- Change Management
- Effective communication
What is the best Girl Scout cookie?
- 37.5% Caramel deLites (Samoas)
- 28.1% Thin Mints
- 25% Peanut Butter Patties (Tagalongs)
- 6.3% Lemon-Ups/Lemonades
- 3.1% Peanut Butter Sandwich (Do-si-dos)
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Are you feeling stressed?
Stress is a body response to a stressor, and there are numerous stressors in our work and home lives on a daily basis. Stressors are dependent on the person and can manifest in a multitude of ways. Cleveland Clinic offers great resources to recognize and identify the signs and symptoms of stress for prevention and management.
Stress reduction techniques can be useful to prevent and manage stress. The Cleveland Clinic offers 10 ways to ease stress, and if you’re looking for instant gratification, Queensland Health has 5 ways to reduce stress now.
If you’re interested in additional stress reduction techniques, attend a free Stress Busters class led by the Center for Spirituality and Healing through the University of Minnesota every Monday!
If you can’t attend, the recordings from past sessions are available below:
Stress is a body response to a stressor, and there are numerous stressors in our work and home lives on a daily basis. Stressors are dependent on the person and can manifest in a multitude of ways. Cleveland Clinic offers great resources to recognize and identify the signs and symptoms of stress for prevention and management.
Stress reduction techniques can be useful to prevent and manage stress. The Cleveland Clinic offers 10 ways to ease stress, and if you’re looking for instant gratification, Queensland Health has 5 ways to reduce stress now.
If you’re interested in additional stress reduction techniques, attend a free Stress Busters class led by the Center for Spirituality and Healing through the University of Minnesota every Monday!
If you can’t attend, the recordings from past sessions are available below:
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Working remotely best practices
As we continue to work remotely, we want to remind everyone to be mindful of each other and the amount of time we spend in meetings, checking emails or messages, and responding to notifications. Since most of us are no longer in the office, it is all too easy for our work lives to blur into our personal life boundaries. It is important to practice good etiquette while working remotely, not only for our own well-being but also for our co-workers’ well-being. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind regarding remote work:
- Schedule shorter meetings that allow for breaks in between the next meeting.
- Limit meetings to certain days of the week to cut down on excess meetings.
- Check calendars before scheduling a meeting to make sure someone isn't double-booked. If they are already scheduled in another meeting, ask permission first.
- Send an email regarding project updates or next steps instead of holding a meeting when appropriate.
- Use the “Do not Disturb” function on Google chat or set a custom status on Slack.
- Block off time on your calendar to focus on your other work.
- Reduce notifications by checking email, Slack, etc. only at certain times.
- Log off for lunch and take regular breaks.
Update from Sue
Many of you might be feeling some uneasiness with the beginning of the legal proceedings of Derek Chauvin who has been charged in the death of George Floyd. There may be impacts on your personal life as well as your work. I am concerned about everyone’s well-being, so please reach out to your director, supervisor, or me with any questions or concerns. We will assist as best we can.
We, the directors, continue to try to get answers or information on all the various questions being asked around campus. I believe as we finish up spring and head into fall, things will loosen up and start to move to our new “normal.” We continue to talk about what that might look like and hope the University provides direction in the near future. Thank you for continuing on the path to keep student success moving forward.
We, the directors, continue to try to get answers or information on all the various questions being asked around campus. I believe as we finish up spring and head into fall, things will loosen up and start to move to our new “normal.” We continue to talk about what that might look like and hope the University provides direction in the near future. Thank you for continuing on the path to keep student success moving forward.
ASR Staff Engagement March 11th Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey 3/11/2021 explores how we pursue professional development, such as attending webinars and informal learning opportunities. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences!
The results of the last survey revealed that most are planning to take at least 1 to 2 days off this spring with many planning to take an extended break. Regarding any hesitancy to use PTO while working from home, survey responses indicated that most are continuing to use PTO as needed, while a little less than half would rather save their vacation time for now.
Concerning university guidelines, this question was tricky as guidelines can vary by employee group. We’ve discussed this question more on the N&N blog. Finally, we had lots of fun responses about non-winter outdoor activities that others are looking forward to, such as biking, camping, going for walks, being on the water, and just being outside in general.
Hope you all enjoy your time off if you plan to do so! Make sure to check out the specific results from the last survey and some additional information below.
February 25, 2021 survey results
Do you plan to use paid-time off this Spring?
Have you been hesitant to use PTO during the pandemic?
What (non-winter) outdoor activities are you looking forward to?
Concerning the university guidelines on PTO, please check the governance document for your employee group and administrative policies for leaves at the Vacations and Leaves Human Resources page. Sincere apologies for any confusion caused by this survey question. Policies can vary by employee group, and it is important to know which specific policies apply to you.
The results of the last survey revealed that most are planning to take at least 1 to 2 days off this spring with many planning to take an extended break. Regarding any hesitancy to use PTO while working from home, survey responses indicated that most are continuing to use PTO as needed, while a little less than half would rather save their vacation time for now.
Concerning university guidelines, this question was tricky as guidelines can vary by employee group. We’ve discussed this question more on the N&N blog. Finally, we had lots of fun responses about non-winter outdoor activities that others are looking forward to, such as biking, camping, going for walks, being on the water, and just being outside in general.
Hope you all enjoy your time off if you plan to do so! Make sure to check out the specific results from the last survey and some additional information below.
February 25, 2021 survey results
Do you plan to use paid-time off this Spring?
- 28.6% Yes, I plan to take an extended break (3 days or more)
- 65.7% Yes, I will take 1-2 days off here and there
- 5.7% No, I don’t have any plans to use PTO
Have you been hesitant to use PTO during the pandemic?
- 39.4% Yes, I’d rather save vacation time for now
- 60.6% No, I’m continuing to use it as needed
What (non-winter) outdoor activities are you looking forward to?
- Bonfire with friends
- Golfing and boating
- Paddle boarding
- Swimming
- Biking! Camping!
- Going to the lake!
- Gardening!
- Kayaking!
Concerning the university guidelines on PTO, please check the governance document for your employee group and administrative policies for leaves at the Vacations and Leaves Human Resources page. Sincere apologies for any confusion caused by this survey question. Policies can vary by employee group, and it is important to know which specific policies apply to you.
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Rest is more than just sleeping
There are many things in our daily lives that can impact sleep quality, and exhaustion may stem from more than not getting physical rest. In her article, “The 7 Types of Rest that Every Person Needs,” Dr. Dalton-Smith, M.D. explores the different types of rest we need to feel restored. You can watch her TED Talk as well.
The University of Minnesota Wellbeing Program also has “journeys” in the Virgin Pulse app. dedicated to sleeping well. It includes tips and resources for better sleep as well as opportunities to track sleeping patterns. It’s a great way to take advantage of resources as well as earn points for the program.
Comic by Hannah Hillam
One year later
We are approaching many milestones tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been nearly one year since many of us began working remotely. Early on in the pandemic, the mental wellness in the workplace group partnered with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to discuss EAP resources and the impacts of cumulative stress. One year later, it feels appropriate to revisit the Navigating Cumulative Stress presentation and its resources. Throughout this year, we have been challenged, we have been stressed, we have taken hold of moments of resilience, and we have grown.
There are many things in our daily lives that can impact sleep quality, and exhaustion may stem from more than not getting physical rest. In her article, “The 7 Types of Rest that Every Person Needs,” Dr. Dalton-Smith, M.D. explores the different types of rest we need to feel restored. You can watch her TED Talk as well.
The University of Minnesota Wellbeing Program also has “journeys” in the Virgin Pulse app. dedicated to sleeping well. It includes tips and resources for better sleep as well as opportunities to track sleeping patterns. It’s a great way to take advantage of resources as well as earn points for the program.
One year later
We are approaching many milestones tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been nearly one year since many of us began working remotely. Early on in the pandemic, the mental wellness in the workplace group partnered with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to discuss EAP resources and the impacts of cumulative stress. One year later, it feels appropriate to revisit the Navigating Cumulative Stress presentation and its resources. Throughout this year, we have been challenged, we have been stressed, we have taken hold of moments of resilience, and we have grown.
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