Employee Recognition Committee Meeting
December 4, 2006
3:15-4:15pm
Library East Conference Room
Minutes
Members present: Betsy, Dina, Laurie, Peter, Lourdes, Brett, Brian
Members of Marketing Committee present: Angela, Chelsea, Nita, John, Marina
Betsy asked Marketing for ideas about dovetailing some ERC goals with Library Marketing:
- Chelsea advised that, for the moment, Marketing is concentrating on the West dedication, a few smaller efforts like the Library videos, and Val Davis is working on an edible book contest. So far, the focus of their outreach has been primarily external rather than within the organization.
- LIBBS is supposed to be used as an internal PR outlet, but it was down for a long time shortly after becoming available. Usage must be developed.
- Marina suggested “comment boxes” as an effective outlet for collecting recognition.
- Angela suggested using UF recognition system: monitor the UF program and advertise it to Library staff so that UF routinely receives recommendations from the Libraries.
- Examples of ways to build the Library profile within UF community as well as internally:
- Stall report: Post announcements about the library such as “Did you know…about the libraries?”
- Install a “Did you know…” poster series.
- Gain national recognition via ACRL Website submissions (Faculty level accomplishments)
- ERC needs a procedure for keeping up with and submitting that type of info.
- At HSCL, PR staff demands submissions from staff.
- Barbara posts some of our staff major accomplishments as press releases.
Betsy described some of our activities to Marketing:
- Convocation, 2nd week of May. How can internal marketing fit into Convocation activities - which may include topics like new directions, recognizing milestones, celebrating the past year, service pin awards?
- Discretionary Recognition funds – ERC has just begun to advertise.
- ERC is planning focus groups to determine most desirable practices for recognition. How did Marketing use Tom Minton’s focus group info?
- It was recommended that we use a few, very focused questions, reactive participants, and an open room where participants can all interact. Participants must know what is legal and what is restricted.
Discussion continued per recognizing employees or gaining information from employees:
- Walmart new program which will allow staff to meet with administrators on a regular basis, give gifts for number of years served.
- “Breakfast with the Boss:” outspoken employees encouraged to frank, open conversation with bosses.
- Marketing committee held a town meeting and got a packed room. ERC can do the same, and can ask if focus groups would be useful. Marina suggested that we ask units to volunteer outspoken staff, have a neutral person run it, and have the committee takes notes from the sidelines.
- Angela said that small gifts like the coffee mugs, rewarded to all employees as a thank you, go over really well.
- Brian said it’s good to have a combination of small, broad-distribution gifts as well as the picnics, etc.
- We could add a big thank you banner to the decorations at employee recognition events.
- An idea for small gifts: ask local area businesses to provide discounts to library employees.
Town meeting: it was agreed that we would ask for a Town meeting specific to Employee Recognition. Then do focus groups if needed. Jan 25 looks like the next available Town meeting.
- Possible agenda for the town meeting:
- Intro
- Restrictions and legalities.
- What’s being implemented.
- What’s being proposed.
- Offer a few ideas of types of employee recognition and how recommendations can be collected from staff and patrons.
- Provide suggestion cards, pencils and boxes for non-vocal attendees.
- Get attendees name/email to ask further questions for ideas
Betsy reports that she has been working on the ERC Web page and will be adding items for each category in the design, welcomes input.
Recorder: Laurie Brennan
