Friday Focus: Enhancing the employee experience
Jan. 17, 2025
— By Carla Browning, onboarding and engagement manager
I’ve met dozens of employees over the last 18 months as UAF’s first onboarding and engagement manager. I’ve enjoyed sharing my experience of working at the university for the last 23 years.
More than 200 people have participated in the half-day New Employee Welcome (NEW) orientation either in person or the shorter online orientation. Employees have also joined other activities offered for new and existing employees to foster a sense of belonging.
The NEW event covers UAF’s mission, vision, culture, student services, brand-management resources, shared governance and informal benefits of working at the university. The next one is scheduled for Feb. 6. Reassuring employees about their decision to come to UAF is vital–especially if they’ve moved themselves and their families to take a position.
Employees need support from their colleagues at the unit-level too as they gain confidence around specific processes, workflows and expectations. Supervisors are critical to this by providing training and clarity throughout.
To help, our includes resources, a new-hire checklist and a curated calendar to get them started. Ultimately, what fosters long-term engagement is when supervisors make time for regular check-ins to address concerns and connect with employees to show appreciation for the work they do on behalf of the university.
Cohorts with similar job types and effective mentoring can increase employee success.
With that in mind, we’re exploring the feasibility of an informal staff and faculty
mentor program. In our recent mentoring needs assessment survey nearly 40% out of
200 respondents expressed interest in having a mentor; 45% expressed interest in serving
as one. In the meantime, we’re aiming to foster connections organically across the
organization in a variety of ways.
- Sponsoring activities: Lunchtime trail walks, winter gear workshops, cross-country skiing, climbing-wall training, pickleball, snowshoeing and ice skating.
- Staff on Tap: Wednesday, Jan. 22, Dry January from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The Pub includes light snacks and a non-alcoholic beer tasting–It’s a good time to connect with your team.
- Connecting leadership: Inviting leaders to visit departments as we roll out our Nanook Connection Cart stocked with wellness info and healthy snacks.
Finally, be sure to join us April 3 for Staff Recognition and Development Day. The day includes longevity awards, recognition of the Chancellor’s Cornerstone Award-winner, an all-staff lunch, and a mix of professional and personal development sessions.
Employees are encouraged to participate in these activities to help new hires feel welcome, and to support their own engagement. We hope to see you there!
If you have questions or want assistance with your department-level onboarding and engagement efforts, please email UAF-welcome-team@alaska.edu.
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF's leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is invited to contribute a column.