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Revitalizing Workplace Culture: Strategies to Combat Burnout and Boost Morale:�Innovative Approaches in Higher Education

Tiffany B. Russell

Budget and Collections Librarian

F.D. Bluford Library

June 13, 2024

Metrolina Library Association (MLA)

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Introduction �Brief overview of the presentation�

  • Understanding Morale
  • Importance of addressing burnout and morale in higher education
  • Objective of the presentation
    • Highlight Specific Strategies that have been most effective in combating burnout and morale
    • Explain the challenges to implementing these strategies
    • Examine how the institution can sustain and evolve their recognition programs overtime

Intro

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Understanding Burnout and Morale

  • Morale is…
    • Morale refers to the overall sense of enthusiasm, confidence, satisfaction, and well-being that individuals or groups feel within a particular environment, such as a workplace, school, or community. It encompasses the attitudes, emotions, and perceptions of individuals regarding their circumstances and their outlook on achieving goals and overcoming challenges.
    • High morale is often characterized by a positive attitude, motivation, and a sense of camaraderie, whereas low morale can manifest as dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, and decreased productivity.
    • Morale is significant because it directly impacts various aspects of individual and organizational performance.
  • Impact on productivity and well being
    • High Morale=Increased Productivity Low Morale=Decreased Productivity
    • High Morale=Reduced Stress and Burnout Low Morale=Stressful Environment that can impact mental and emotional health

Definitions

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Understanding Burnout and Morale

  • Specific Challenge higher education
    • Two types of workforce with different challenges
      • Staff
        • Work/life balance, job security, financial stress, mental health
      • Library Faculty (Tenure Track)
        • Stressed about pressure to publish, present, and secure grants
        • Limited resources and administrative tasks (Library Profession)

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Understanding

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Institutional Context

  • Largest HBCU in the nation (~14,000 Students)
    • F.D. Bluford Library (42 Total Staff; 8 Vacancies)
  • R2 moving to R1 (Very High Research)
  • State Institutions with established standards and procedures
    • No automate raise because you are more productive and excel in your position
    • Raises driven by the legislator
    • Human Resources and state policy determines how compensation is handles
      • New Duties Necessary
      • Change Competency Level

Overview Organization

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History of Recognition

  • Recognition and Awards only given during National Library Week (April)
  • There were a total of five award
    • Volunteerism
    • Creativity and Initiative
    • Customer Service
    • Outstanding Employee (Monetary)
    • Inez Lyons Servant Leadership Award (Monetary)

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Recognition and Celebrations

History

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Strategies to Combat Burnout and Low Morale

  • 2018 University Committee Report
  • Increased Number of Awards
  • Increased Frequency and Variety of Awards
  • Add Monetary Incentives
  • Foster Culture of Appreciation
  • Comprehensive Awards
  • Create Team Building Events

Strategies

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Revamped Recognition Program

  • Increased Frequency
  • Monetary Prizes
  • Introduced Trophies
    • Certificates
    • Rotating Trophies
  • New Awards
    • Most Bluford/Aggie Spirit
    • Best Team
    • Dress to Impress
    • Hidden Gem

Revamp

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Integrating Interactive Elements

Interactive

  • Gaming-Trivia
    • Pop Culture with Teams
    • Online Trivia
    • Work related and Non-related Questions
  • Plickers is an interactive assessment tool used in educational settings to quickly collect and analyze student responses to questions. It leverages a combination of physical cards and a mobile app to facilitate real-time engagement and feedback.
    • Plicker Cards or App
    • This or That Questions
    • Results in real time
    • Used a game and not assessment

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Team Building Events

Team

  • Cookout
  • Retreat
  • Holiday Celebration
  • Coffee Break
  • Gifts
    • Library Swag

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Implementation and Impact

  • Visible Recognition
  • Greater Engagement
  • Better Work Environment
  • Stronger Team Cohesion

Impact

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Challenges

Challenge

  • Sustainability
  • Participation
  • New Ideas/Brainstorming
    • Innovation

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Critical Questions

  • What specific strategies have been most effective?
  • What are the potential challenges to implementing these strategies?
  • How can institutions sustain and evolve their recognition programs?

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Questions

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Conclusion

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  • Conclusion
    • Leadership buy in
    • Right Mindset
    • Receive input receptively
    • Consistency

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Conclusion

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Q & A

Q&A

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Tiffany B. Russell

Associate Professor, Budget and Collections Administrator

F.D. Bluford Library

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

tbrussel@ncat.edu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-b-russell/

ncat.edu