Voices of the Staff (VOICES), a volunteer-based initiative that gives staff members a forum for sharing ideas and defining the campus community issues that matter most to them, has received approval to transition from a three-year pilot to a sustained and ongoing program of the University.
Along with the announced continuation, VOICES funding has been increased so that the program may continue to support the work of its six topic-focused network teams, broaden development opportunities for volunteers and offer key events, such as an annual supervisors’ conference.
“Voices of the Staff has produced important and enduring benefits for our community,” says Laurita Thomas, associate vice president for human resources. “We envision that universities around the country will emulate our design as they strive to increase employee engagement.”
In 2008-09, the VOICES network teams will continue exploration of the following topics:
• Benefits, health and well-being
• Diversity
• Parking and transportation
• Career development
• Faculty and staff communication
• Rewards and recognition
Network team volunteers serve for two years and meet once a month for 1.5 hours. Volunteers are chosen from the pool of applicants to create a microcosm of the larger staff community. Staff members with at least one year of service can volunteer to serve on the network team of their choice by completing an application between now and March 31 at www.voices.umich.edu.
