ASR Staff Engagement October 3 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines workload management. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

The last survey tested your knowledge on ergonomics. For people without bifocals, the distance from your computer monitor should be approximately one arm’s length away (65.4% were correct). Your computer monitor should be set at eye level (46.2% were correct). You can do a virtual ergonomic evaluation through the University Ergonomic Program (92.3% were correct).

Finally, we asked about your office chair. Most are happy with their current office chair (74.1%), while 22.2% are not happy with theirs. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

September 19 survey results

For people without bifocals, the distance from your computer monitor should be approximately _______________.

• One arm’s length away (65.4%)
• One and a half arm's length away (30.8%)
• Two arm's length away (3.8%)

Your computer monitor should be set at...

• Slightly above eye level (38.5%)
• At eye level (46.2%)
• Slightly below eye level (15.4%)

True or False: It's possible to do a virtual ergonomic evaluation through the University Ergonomic Program.

• True (92.3%)
• False (7.7%)

Are you happy with the office chair you typically use at work?

• Yes (74.1%)
• No (22.2%)
• I’m not sure (3.7%)

Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Thank you to everyone who took our May 2024 staff engagement survey! We received great feedback, which has provided direction for our work. We’ve created another Mental Wellness in the Workplace survey, and we’d love your input. You can view the results from the staff engagement survey below.

What resources can the Mental Wellness workgroup provide regarding balancing workload, stress, and burnout?

What advice would you give a new hire regarding workload management?

• Work one thing at a time to maintain balance
• Set, manage, and communicate expectations with yourself, your team, and your supervisor/staff
• Be strategic with your calendar and use of “focus time”
• Communicate with your team/supervisor/staff/etc when you need help with workload or resetting priorities

Additional tips from the survey are available below. You can also find past tips using the #mentalwellness tag.

Great tips!

• Don't take on more work until you fully understand the work in front of you.
• You can only do so much in a day. Tomorrow is another day.
• Know what to expect. Be prepared.
• Use "focus time" on the calendar to do "deep thought" work.
• Boundaries are wonderful things!
• Work within your work hours and not past them.
• Nothing is life or death, so don't stress yourself out!

One thing at a time

• Take one thing at a time and lean on others if you need any help.
• Do one thing at a time. It will always be there tomorrow. Work/Life balance!!!
• Understand that not all of your work needs to be addressed at once! Keep your head down and work on one thing at a time.

Open up and ask for help

• Ask for help when you need it. Everyone is willing to help!
• When you feel overwhelmed, ask for help.
• Ask questions!!! Stand up for yourself!
• Communicate! If you're feeling overwhelmed or need assistance with prioritization, etc. There are resources available to help you manage your workload.
• If it's too much, say so!

Talk to your supervisor:

• To prioritize your work and discuss your workload.
• If your plate is full, ask, "I have too much, what should I prioritize?" Protect yourself.
• For help with prioritizing work and/or getting help from others.
• Openly talk about workload. Be frank and honest.
• So expectations are clear, communicate regularly with your supervisor about workload and when you're approaching a place of feeling overwhelmed.
• Keep an open and ongoing dialogue going.

Talk to your team:

• If you are a part of a team or working with others who are performing similar functions, establish a regular cadence of checking in or having "stand ups" to discuss workload across the team to balance the load where possible.

Turn to your supervisor AND your team!

• Develop a close relationship with your manager and team and keep lines of communication wide open. Be transparent with how you are feeling and what you like and what you don't enjoy about your work.
• Confirm priorities with your direct supervisor first. Then lean on other members of your unit/other ASR staff for tips and tricks.