Publications, Forms and Information Resources

Workplace Success Stories - Best Practices 2002
Recognition Strategies for a Diverse Workforce

 

Practice Name: Ice Cream Social Department: Library Contact Person: Susan Wong, Director, Library HR Phone: (510) 642-3778 Email: swong@library.berkeley.edu Web: Dept/Unit Head: Lee Leighton, Actg. Dir. of Lib. HR Control Unit: EVCP

Workplace Issues Addressed: Community & Team Building Category: Relationship Building

 

Description of the practice
The Library gives employees two hours administrative leave to attend the Ice Cream Social event. The University Librarian (UL) serves ice cream.

Benefits of adopting the practice
There is a greater sense of community, and this activity has improved morale. Activities like this one help sustain employees during stressful times. There is a supportive environment. This event boosts morale and shows that the administration cares about staff and wants to recognize their efforts. This practice meets the needs of a diverse workforce in the following ways: It is inclusive. All employees are given two hours of leave to attend. Brings together two diverse groups -- students & career employees.

How this practice works
Top level support is needed. The University Librarian hosts this activity and gives everyone two hours of leave to attend. The UL greets each guest personally and serves up the ice cream himself. The University Librarian donates the ice cream.

What you need in place to replicate this practice
Top level management support. Top level manager who is willing to host this kind of event and donate the ice cream. A top level manager who is willing to greet each guest and serve up the ice cream. Procedural changes to allow employees two hours off to attend the event.

Tangible improvements to the department as a result of adopting this practice
Employees feel appreciated. There is a greater sense of community and improved morale. This activity is broadly inclusive. One student employee writes: "Attending the party every year gave me an opportunity to not only relax and enjoy ice cream with other student employees throughout the Library system, but also to connect with Library career staff on a very casual level. As a student, the event made me feel like I was an important part of a large Library staff community and that my job was more than a means of supporting myself while getting an education."

Why this practice was so successful and is worth replicating
This activity has been successful because it is inclusive and improves communication and morale. The Library's values support the culture of fun, recognition, and development in an emotionally safe environment.