Join us to explore ways libraries are fostering a culture of well-being at work by creating policies and practices that empower staff to make choices that improve their health. We will explore the following eight aspects of workplace well-being in this Core e-Forum:
Physical Environment: A clean, safe, and comfortable physical workspace is crucial for employee health and well-being. This includes proper lighting, ergonomic furniture, adequate ventilation, and access to amenities like break areas, nature, and natural light.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Supporting employees' mental and emotional health is essential for creating a healthy workplace. This can involve promoting work-life balance, offering mental health resources and support services, and fostering a culture of open communication and psychological safety.
Workload and Job Design: Ensuring workloads are manageable and well-defined tasks can help prevent burnout and stress. Additionally, offering opportunities for skill development, autonomy, and meaningful work can contribute to job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Recognition and Appreciation: Recognizing and appreciating employees' contributions and achievements is essential for morale and motivation. This can take various forms, including verbal praise, rewards and incentives, and opportunities for advancement and career growth.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Providing flexibility in work schedules and arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible hours, allows employees to balance their work and personal responsibilities better. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and reduced stress levels.
Clear Communication and Transparency: Clear communication channels and transparent decision-making processes are essential for fostering employee trust and confidence. Clear communication creates a psychologically safe workplace. Keeping employees informed about company goals, policies, and changes can help reduce uncertainty and anxiety.
Supportive Leadership: Strong leadership that values and prioritizes employee well-being sets the tone for a healthy workplace culture. Leaders who lead by example, listen to employee feedback, and support their team members' growth and development contribute to a positive work environment.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace creates a sense of belonging and ensures all employees feel valued and respected. Embracing various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Creating policies that increase accessibility improves the work environment for everyone.
While the discussions encompass various aspects of workplace well-being, it's important to note that we respectfully request refraining from topics related to weight loss, dieting, or movement-based programs. Recognizing the complexities surrounding such programs, including their potential impact on camaraderie, team dynamics, and privacy concerns, we aim to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment focused on holistic approaches to well-being.
If you have questions, need assistance, or would like to propose an e-Forum topic, please write to core-eforum+help@groups.io.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the e-Forum, participants will be able to:
- List ways tactical workplace improvements benefit staff members;
- Describe ways to use recognition and appreciation to improve staff wellbeing and how these methods impact productivity;
- Explain ways managers can build stronger teams; and
- Summarize how flexible work schedules contribute to work-life balance.
These are only a few takeaways after participating in the eforum. We hope the discussion produces many more.
Who Should Attend
Anyone!
Hosts
Bobbi Newman (She/Her) is the Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist at Region 6 of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) at the University of Iowa Libraries. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries (ALA Editions) and editor for the forthcoming A Manager’s Guide to Creating a Flourishing Workplace: Strategies for Fostering Wellness in Libraries (ALA Editions). Bobbi is a mindfulness student and a body acceptance advocate. She serves on the Advisory Board for Let’s Move in Libraries.
Margie Sheppard (She/Her) is the Community Engagement Coordinator at NNLM Region 3 for the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) located at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her work includes helping libraries and community organizations interested in improving the health and well-being of members in their communities by connecting them with NNLM resources and with each other. She has co-presented on Wellness in the Workplace and is interested in projects aimed at improving community mental health.
Debra Trogdon-Livingston (She/They) serves as the User Experience and Education Strategist for Region 2 of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) headquartered at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). They provide resources, education, user experience guidance, and program evaluation services to members and communities in Region 2. Debra has a strong focus on workplace wellness, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, LGBTQIA2S+ equity, and health literacy. Debra has co-presented Beyond the Binary: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Health, Wellness in the Library Workplace and is teaching Mental Health in the Library Workplace next year.
Registration
Cost
Core e-Forums are free!
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How to Register
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Code of Conduct
Please review the Statement of Conduct before registering.
Tech Requirements
Internet connection with email address. You can manage your subscription to this list following the online instructions.
Credits
None
Contact
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