★ EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

PROJECT CATEGORY: Expanded HR Services
HR UNIT: People, Culture and Engagement
TIMELINE: April 2023 - Present
STATUS: In Progress
PHASE: Implementation Phase

SUMMARY & ACHIEVEMENTS

Summary

Central HR is adding an employee engagement unit to its office, the purpose of this unit will be to work with departments and managers/supervisors on ways to encourage teamwork and collaboration. The office will also work to develop best practices for employee recognition, appreciation, and engagement in a manner that is meaningful, inclusive, collaborative and aligned with the University's strategic goals.

PHASE 3 - In Progress

Implementation Phase Achievements

In September of 2023, the President's Office announced the Stony Awards and the Thank a Seawolf campaign, two new recognition programs designed to celebrate all that you do. These initiatives recognize our employees who, through their service, collaborative effort, innovation and scholarship, are making our campus, the Long Island region, New York and beyond a better place. Read the president's memo here.

Culture & Engagement have been asked to lead the SEFA Campaign and the Thank a Seawolf initiative. The SEFA Campaign kicked off this year's fundraising efforts with a SEFA Captains meet and greet on November 1st. The first fundraising event will be held on December 16th. On December 11th, the campus will celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the Gratitude Gram. At the conclusion of this event the President’s Office will be passing on the reins of the Thank a Seawolf initiative to Central HR.

What's Completed

The Culture & Engagement Coordinator position was filled in July 2024. This position resides with Healthier U & EAP as we begin efforts to build out a robust Culture, Wellness & Engagement platform for the campus in Fall 2024.

What's Next

Culture & Engagement Coordinator has developed several tools to help promote employee engagement efforts including the Personal Development Plan (PDP) which focuses on nurturing growth and aligning individual goals with the organization's objectives. C&E has developed a departmental assessment questionnaire to identify the department's needs and design customized training based on those specific requirements. C&E has also developed two training modules on Motivation and Engagement.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? (wiifm)

According to a 2023 Gallup poll on employee engagement, when asked what employers could do to improve the working environment, 85% of the responses fell into three categories:

41% - engagement/culture
28% - pay/benefits
16% - wellbeing

Engaged employees feel valued, recognized and have a sense of purpose and belonging. Engaged employees are more productive, willing to go the extra mile, and work more collaboratively, which leads to better business outcomes. Conclusion, when you thrive the institution thrives!

PREVIOUS PHASE ACHIEVEMENTS

PHASE 1: Completed

Assessment & Recommendation Phase

Kenya Lewis joined us as Assistant Vice President for People, Culture and Engagement (AVP) and filled new positions to lead and support enhanced services.

The HR Culture Working Group presented its findings to Central HR. They included a recommendation to formally create three committees within Central HR focused on Values, Recognition and Events & Activities.

PHASE 2 - Completed

Design Phase

The Central HR Values Committee, the Events & Activities Committee and the Recognition Committee were formed with five members in each group from across Central HR.

HR Values:

Chair: Joessie Mathews
Co-Chair: Reshma Neebar

Members: Younette Backer, Dina Mast, Jean Schaal, Samantha Koegl, Lisa Owens, Nicole Cook, Racine Topaloglu, Steven Bloom, Waliya Nabila Alam, William Meyer, Howard Francis, Donna Kossak, Jeanmarie Riccardi

Events & Activities:

Co-Chairs Sarah Campbell & Kristin Blandi
Members:Cathy Aven, Sarah Arbuckle, Jennifer Doig, Michalina Witek, Elizabeth Brady

Recognition:
Co-Chairs: Erica Svoboda & Jessica Peterson
Members: Thomas Gifford, Monique Fredericks, Donna Kossack, Kayla McPherson, Daniela Dumitrescu

employee engagement implementation team

Core Team Participants

Kenya Lewis-Brewer, AVP, People Culture & Engagement

Cathrine Duffy, Director of Healthier U & EAP

Joeesie Mathews, Culture & Engagement Coordinator

Team Charge

Oversee implementation and roll out of the new Employee Engagement unit:

Work with the HR Culture Committees to define the desired culture for Central HR, identify core values to adopt for the future, and make specific recommendations for strengthening culture and morale among the Central HR staff.
Lead efforts to assess and monitor employee engagement
Define the employee value proposition/EVP and support employer branding efforts
Provide consultation to leaders and managers on improving culture and engagement
Develop and lead strategies, programs and initiatives that support a highly engaged workforce
Lead employee recognition strategies and programs
Support community and wellness programs

HAVE FEEDBACK?

Email hrnow@stonybrook.edu or fill out this brief feedback survey.