(400) Creating a Space to Thrive: Faculty and Staff Success through Wellness, Community, and Supportive Infrastructure

Objective
Pre-pandemic 2020 data from a climate survey identified areas of improvement in faculty and staff sense of belonging, being valued, being connected to the School community, and the presence of burnout. As a result of this and challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, two goals were set: 1) create a culture of well-being and community for faculty and staff and 2) create systems, processes, and structures to increase support for faculty and staff.

Methods
Changes in School infrastructure, programming, and assessment were implemented, including: 1) establishment of a staff council, 2) joint faculty/staff meetings and gatherings, 3) hybrid work arrangements for staff, 4) improvements to school facilities, 5) streamlining of school-wide communication 6) community well-being initiatives, and 7) streamlining ways to document faculty productivity (PHARCAR).

Results
A climate survey in 2022 indicated improvements in the following for faculty and staff: feeling treated with respect (2022-92%; 2020-87% and 2022-97%; 2020-85%), and that sufficient programs foster well-being (2022-88%; 2020-83% and 2022-86%; 2020-83%). The following improvements were indicated for staff: opportunities for professional success (2022-78%; 2020-64%), teamwork and collaboration are encouraged (2022-91%; 2020-83%), and that the school cares about them (2022-78%; 2020-74%). Feedback on PHARCAR in 2021 and 2022 showed more than 80% of faculty rating the software as Excellent (37-38%) or Good (43%-77%). Positive feedback included its welcome change, user friendliness, and ease in navigation.

Conclusion
The challenges of the pandemic and rapidly evolving dynamics of higher education necessitate diverse strategies to support faculty and staff success. Our efforts to build a culture of well-being and connection, along with improvements in infrastructure, communication, and community-building have increased the sense of value and appreciation among faculty and staff.