email : Webview : OU OFFICIAL: New employee recognition initiatives

From the

Office of the President

Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D.

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Colleagues,

A powerful way of expressing deep gratitude is to say, “We can’t thank you enough.” Well, I am thrilled to share with you that with the launch of a new University of Choice initiative, we will strive to ensure that every Oakland University faculty and staff member knows and is often reminded of how much they are valued and appreciated.

The newly formed Employee Recognition Committee has already begun to explore how we can reinvigorate a workplace culture rich with expressions of congratulations and gratitude. Did you know, for example, that more than 40 university, college, school, department and office managed recognition programs are already in place?

If not, rest assured that not only will efforts be made to raise awareness of and participation in these programs, but also to promote a broad array of new programs, practices, habits and actions to frequently acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our faculty, administrative professionals, professional support personnel, maintenance and trades experts, confidential assistants and law enforcement officers.

A University of Choice must ensure that colleagues in every classroom, laboratory, office, service area and support facility understand that their work is vital to the institution’s mission, vision, values and goals, and that no matter their position or prominence, they have ample opportunity to be recognized for outstanding efforts and accomplishments that help reach the institution’s shared goals.

At OU – our University of Choice – each one of us can help ensure that our colleagues are congratulated and thanked for contributions both large and small. We can do so as individuals and groups, and through thoughtful compliments, notes or shout outs. We can do so any day of the week; during the fall, winter or summer terms; and even by way of annual award nominations. We can learn from each other about still other ways to build on our already strong culture of recognition, and I look forward to seeing the strides this new initiative will make in this direction over the coming months and years.

As its first official act, the Employee Recognition Committee is introducing a new recognition initiative – the Cost Savings Suggestion Program. All faculty and staff members are encouraged to submit ideas about how OU can continue to offer exceptional programs and services with more cost-efficient work plans and practices.

Each year, the individuals or groups submitting the most innovative and impactful ideas will win their choice of an array of exciting prizes. The top winner will receive first choice, the runner up second choice and the third-place winner final choice. Given the budgetary challenges we face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing of the Cost Savings Suggestion program could not be more appropriate.

In the spirit of our new University of Choice initiative, please allow me to be the first to remind each of you just how valued and appreciated you are within this community. We may not be able to thank you enough, but please bear witness as we do our very best in trying.

Thank you,

Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D.
President