Based on ideas collected at the first FAS Business Services (FBS) Quarterly Meeting in 2019, the FBS Employee Enrichment Committee was formed. Meeting when possible while juggling their other duties and amidst the pivots to remote work during the pandemic, the team was excited to explore how to offer new opportunities for FBS staff. One of their main goals was launching the FBS Employee Exchange Program: a way for employees to get to know colleagues in other departments, learn about other jobs, and explore new projects.
The committee, which had staff and managers from Business and Financial Services (BFS), Human Resources Support Services (HRSS), and Technology Resources (TRecs), collaborated to create an application process, program structure, and timeline. They considered how to provide opportunities that would appeal to a variety of staff, while also making sure other work duties would not be negatively impacted.
The first cohort of the exchange program started meeting in November 2022, and completed their partnerships in February 2023. The cohort included six staff, representing all the units in FBS:
- Amy Gause (TRecs)
- Mary Kemp (FBS)
- Ernest Palma (HRSS)
- Teresa Rodriguez (BFS)
- Dian Smith (BFS)
- Wendy Whipple (HRSS)
The program was a success, and all six members said they think others on their teams would benefit from it. HRSS Assistant Director Wendy Whipple participated in the program via the community building track. "The employee exchange program afforded me the opportunity to explore employee volunteerism, which is something I wouldn't have otherwise explored in my daily role,” she said. “I recommend the program to anyone looking to branch out and explore something new." Ernest Palma, a human resource coordinator, shared another positive aspect: boosted interaction with colleagues. “I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a way to meet new people and work on projects that mean something to you. Being a hybrid/remote worker seldom gives me the opportunity to meet others outside of Teams messages, so I appreciated the opportunity.”
The staff shared their experiences during the February 2023 FBS All Staff Quarterly Meeting, as part of the program requirement to provide a final presentation. While recommending others participate in future offerings, the cohort highlighted their enjoyment in building connections across FBS.
Mary Kemp