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

Changing Higher Ed

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:

1. Modeling Healthy Work-Life Integration: Leaders should exemplify a balanced approach to work and personal life, setting a standard for their teams.
2. Managing Technology and Expectations: It's crucial to manage the impact of technology and set realistic expectations for response times and availability.
3. 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: [e-mail]

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