How Presidents Can Create a Thriving Workplace Culture in Higher Ed Institutions

In this episode of 'Changing Higher Ed' Podcast, host Dr. Drum McNaughton and guest Dr. Carrie Lovelace Petr discuss the topic of creating a healthy workplace culture in Higher Education institutions.

Dr. Petr, a former senior education officer turned consultant, shares her expertise on leadership development and adapting to workplace culture. They discuss the impact of technology and the culture of 'always-on' availability on employees' quality of life and how this can be managed better. They also consider the concept of a 'vacation tax,' the importance of work-life integration, and how the improvements can strengthen shared governance. 

 

Discussion Overview:

 

Workplace Culture in Higher Education: The episode explores the complexities of fostering a positive workplace culture in higher education institutions, emphasizing the critical role of presidents and leadership.

Technology's Influence: The conversation addresses the challenges posed by an 'always-on' technology culture, including its impact on staff and faculty well-being.

Setting Boundaries and Expectations: The importance of setting healthy boundaries and managing expectations to ensure a sustainable work environment.

Vacation Tax and Workload Management: The concept of 'vacation tax' and its implications for workload management are explored, underscoring the need for effective vacation policies and practices.

24/7 Work Culture Consequences: Addressing the negative effects of a non-stop work culture.

Culture Continuum: Understanding the spectrum of good and bad practices in workplace culture.

Culture Sustainability: Evaluating the sustainability of the current work culture.

Faculty's Role in Expectations: Faculty's contribution to setting and managing expectations.

Consequences of Overworking: The impact of overwork and rapid response culture on staff.

Delayed Email Responses: The effectiveness of managing email and communication strategically.

Presidents and Workplace Culture: The critical role of university presidents in understanding and shaping workplace culture.

Invisible Labor: Highlighting the often unseen efforts in higher education.

Vacation and Workload Management: Discussing the importance of proper vacation time and workload management.

Boundaries Impact on Students: How setting boundaries can positively affect students.

Modeling Work-Life Integration: Leadership's role in demonstrating a healthy work-life balance.

 

Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Presidents:

 

Modeling Healthy Work-Life Integration: Leaders should exemplify a balanced approach to work and personal life, setting a standard for their teams.

Managing Technology and Expectations: It's crucial to manage the impact of technology and set realistic expectations for response times and availability.

Addressing Vacation Tax: Leaders should be aware of the 'vacation tax' and work towards creating policies that allow employees to take meaningful breaks without undue workload upon return.

Final Thoughts: The episode concludes with a reflection on the essential role of leadership in cultivating a healthy workplace culture, emphasizing the benefits of a supportive and well-managed work environment.

 

Read the transcript on our website →

 

About Our Guest

Carrie Lovelace Petr, Ph.D., PCC, BCC, is a seasoned executive administrator and holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She trained as a certified professional and executive coach at the ICF-accredited College of Executive Coaching and is recognized as both an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation and a Board-Certified Coach by the Center for Credentialing Education.

Carrie has lived her professional career in service to higher education staff, students, and faculty. Partnering with long-time professionals and aspiring leaders to help them thrive and nurture their talents is her passion.

 

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton, host of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, is a consultant to higher education institutions in board governance, shared governance, accreditation, strategy, change, and mergers. 

To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.

 

The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/ Twitter: @thechangeldr Email: [email protected]

 

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