September 20, 2006
HR News
There is a new ear in the University's Human Resource Department. Actually, the evidence suggests that there are a lot of ears listening on behalf of the Bob McQuade, the Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
Shortly after his arrival in May, 2005, Bob started listening. He gathered input both by visiting individual administrators from across campus and by organizing professionally led focus groups. So far, four significant HR initiatives demonstrate that not only is Bob listening, HR is responding to campus suggestions.
* To offer prompt answers to individuals with general HR related questions, HR has established a hotline at askhr@nd.edu .
* To further improve communication between HR and employees, HR will soon administer a survey (under the banner ND-Voice). This survey will provide HR with a baseline study of Notre Dame employee opinions on a number of topics. The exact details of this survey have not been finalized, but it will be administered by a third party this fall.
* To address concerns about the staff performance management process, HR has analyzed focus group input and alternative performance system models. During the 2006/2007 fiscal year, they will test a modified process with the Officers' Group and their direct reports.
* To foster a productive and positive culture, HR is incorporating the University's core values articulated by Father Jenkin's into the Performance Management Process. These values are: integrity, accountability, teamwork, leadership in excellence, and leadership in mission. (Within the library, we will be introducing and discussing these core values in 2007).
From my perspective, it is great to see Human Resources on the move. Our current Business Partner (Cindy Ewing) has been spectacularly helpful...providing training sessions, offering advice and coaching, and interpreting policies. Although my use of the askhr hotline has been limited, I did receive quick and reliable answers. Early reports suggest that the new Performance Management System will be a major improvement. Although this system won't be ready for us this Fall, I look forward to seeing a polished product in 2007.
Jo Bessler
Comments
As I read Jo's article I remembered that I did notice an improved response time the last time I contacted HR. I placed a call to their new service desk when I had a question that needed a referral to one of the specialists in the area. I placed the call around 8:00 and before noon I had the answer to the question.
Posted by: Mandy Havert at September 26, 2006 04:01 PM