WVU Invests in Employee Experience with New Culture Action Teams
A comprehensive initiative to bolster employee morale and engagement is underway at West Virginia University, with the Division of Talent and Culture reporting significant progress since last spring’s Employee Experience Focus Groups. The university is actively implementing changes designed to foster a more positive and collaborative workplace.
Following a review of employee feedback gathered during the focus groups, university leaders formed Culture Action Teams across various colleges and units this past fall. These teams, comprised of faculty, staff, and leaders, are dedicated to enhancing culture, boosting employee engagement, and improving the overall employee experience.
System-Wide Collaboration for Cultural Improvement
In addition to the decentralized teams, a system-wide University Culture Action Team was established to address institutional-level priorities. According to a university release, these teams are actively collaborating with leaders to recommend and implement changes based directly on employee input.
“While tactics vary across teams and their needs, all efforts are guided by shared objectives,” the release stated. These objectives center around strengthening trust in leadership and among colleagues, increasing pride in work, and fostering stronger relationships and collaboration.
Concrete Steps Towards a More Engaged Workforce
Several initiatives have already been launched as a direct result of the Culture Action Teams’ work. These include:
- Creating opportunities for informal connection with senior leaders, such as “Breakfast with the Dean.”
- Increasing the frequency and consistency of department-level team meetings.
- Implementing anonymous physical suggestion boxes to encourage open feedback.
- Establishing and publicizing administrator office hours for increased accessibility.
- Hosting informal employee events, like potlucks and celebrations.
- Encouraging cross-unit collaboration by connecting different work areas across schools.
- Highlighting academic units in monthly emails to promote understanding of diverse functions.
- Standardizing operating procedures to support continuous learning opportunities.
A Commitment to a Positive Workplace
The university emphasizes that the work of the Culture Action Teams is ongoing, relying on continued collaboration between faculty, staff, and leadership. “Together, we will keep identifying ways to act on your feedback, improve the employee experience and demonstrate our commitment to a positive and engaging workplace culture,” a senior official stated.
The ultimate goal, according to the release, is to cultivate a culture that supports employees and advances the university’s mission by ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. The university is committed to creating a workplace where employees trust each other, enjoy working together, and take pride in their contributions.
Individuals interested in participating in a Culture Action Team or learning more about these efforts are encouraged to contact their leader or Strategic HR Partner for additional information.
Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to WVU.
