As we navigate the complexities of our modern work environment, it's crucial to prioritize mental health awareness alongside other important topics. In this edition, we delve into various initiatives aimed at fostering well-being, including updates on Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) considerations, opportunities to create incentive and award programs in your units, the benefits of Flex Work Arrangements, and the importance of Self-Identification in creating inclusive workspaces.  

But first, in case you missed it, here are links to the Apr. 30, HR Topics for People Leaders recording and presentation. We shared tools to embrace well-being through Flexible Work Arrangements and performance management goal-setting tips for people leaders.

In this month’s newsletter: 

One thing leaders can do to support mental health in the workplace is to prioritize psychological safety. But what is psychological safety? Is it a trending topic or something we can define and work toward? We’re glad you asked! In the tip sheets below, you will find answers and tips to help you understand and cultivate well-being for your team.  

We’re encouraging staff to submit 2024 goals in the Performance Management @Tech system. SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Based) enhance employee motivation and dedication to goal achievement, thereby fostering greater success. During the goal-setting phase, SMART goals and objectives are established for the performance period. 

Goals represent the targets to be achieved within the annual review period. Understanding how your goals align with broader departmental objectives, strategic priorities, and the Institute's values, adds significance to your work. 

Remember you can access all the documentation and resources for Performance Management @Tech process on the website. 

Within Georgia House Bill 916, the Governor and General Assembly have proposed a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for full-time, benefit-eligible state employees, effective July 1, 2024. Eligible Georgia Tech employees will receive a 4% increase to base salary, not to exceed $3,000.

You can learn more about eligibility, FAQs, and key dates on the COLA website.  

Founded on our pursuit to lead by example, champion innovation, and maximize efficiency, the Working @Tech Arrangement enables the Institute to provide enhanced reporting and analytics regarding how people work at Georgia Tech.  

  Please note, while the Institute is committed to embracing flexibility, it is imperative that we prioritize the needs of our student population and recognize not all flexible options are guaranteed.  

Things Managers Need to Know 

To learn more about the Working at Tech Arrangements’ guidelines, FAQs and process, click the button below. 

Please join Georgia Tech Human Resources’ (GTHR) Finance and Recognition teams for this hybrid event on May 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Clary Theater of the Bill Moore Student Success Center, as we outline requirements and procedures for the FY25 Faculty and Staff Incentives and Awards. This is an opportunity to learn more about creating incentive and award programs in your units. Light refreshments will be served.    

This is also the time to learn about updating any of our current incentive and award programs. Any existing FY24 incentives and awards previously approved with no changes can be carried forward to FY25 without being resubmitted to USG; this includes non-contractual Goal Based Incentives (GBI). There will also be an option to confirm no changes or edit award details from the previous year’s submission for USG review. 

This session will be recorded and posted on the GTHR Incentives & Awards website if anyone has a conflict. If you have any questions, please contact Robert Hampson, Assistant Director, Finance, Georgia Tech Human Resources. 

Georgia Tech invites all employees to voluntarily provide their demographic information to help the Institute fulfill its mission and commitment to achieving an inclusive workplace. To get the most accurate picture of our diversity, we encourage all employees to participate in the 2024 Voluntary Employee Self-Identification (ID) Campaign, which will run from May 1 to June 15.  

Employees may log in to OneUSG Connect to share/update their race, ethnicity, disability, and veteran status. These demographic details remain confidential and help the Institute measure employment progress and fulfill federal requirements.    

To learn more, visit the self-identify web page. 

Please join us on Thursday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to celebrate the eighth cohort of ‘Culture Champions' in the Inclusive Leaders Academy (ILA) at Georgia Tech. 

The 2024 Closing Keynote will be a virtual interactive workshop featuring Professor Kristin Neff. This session titled "Mindful Self-Compassion: Leading with Care for Self and Others," promises to be an engaging and insightful experience. All Georgia Tech people leaders are welcome to attend. 

About the ILA Program: Our mission is to support people leaders in developing global competencies and expanding their capacity to create inclusive and engaging workplace cultures. 

Learn more about ILA’s Cohort 8 celebration. 

Register by Noon on Friday, May 10.

Please join us for a virtual coaching skills workshop series with Lani Peterson on May 21, June 4, 18, and 25 from 1 – 3 p.m. Registration ends on Thursday, May 16.

These sessions will give you foundational tools to coach the success of employees or peers in supportive and impactful ways. A leader with coaching skills creates a more inclusive, developmental, and rewarding employee experience for their team. Within each of the four two-hour sessions, Lani will discuss the coaching process, while providing exercises to practice different coaching skills, leading participants to expand awareness and gain insight into their development process.

Download the Workshop Schedule

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Robinson at michelle.robinson@gatech.edu or Amanda Jomaa at amanda.jomaa@gatech.edu.

Learn details about hiring FWS students and fall hiring. Add to your Calendar. Meeting Join Link.

Does your unit have an incentives or awards program? Discover how you can establish one and even incorporate monetary rewards. Explore our comprehensive Guide to Crafting a Recognition Program for detailed insights and visit our Incentives and Awards webpage to access this year's submission timelines for USG approval.

We’re using our social media channels to help you promote job vacancies, too!  

If you have a job post you’d like us to share, or a great story to highlight our culture use the button below to share it with us.

We’ll see you online!