Extending compassion and flexibility

[Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension Weekly Bulletin]

Dear Colleagues,

Many of us are under stress, concerned about re-entry, the fall semester, schooling options for our children, personal health and financial concerns, caring for multigenerational family members, and more.  Each family situation and set of concerns are unique.  There is no one size fits all.  What is universal is our collective determination as a division to put our people first.

Under the direction of Vice President Burgess, Samantha Sowerby and I are advocating with central university offices for expanded institutional resources that support employees across the state, from Nogales to Flagstaff.  However, the solution is not solely the responsibility of the institution.  Each of us as supervisors and colleagues have a critical and complementary role by extending compassion and flexibility.

Supervisors have the most influence to reduce the stress levels.  Work must be accomplished but granting flexibility when setting work schedules and expectations is an important way to show compassion.  For instance, many supervisors have proactively accommodated the work schedules of parent-employees to aid them meet schooling challenges.  Seeing children in the background of zoom meetings is both heartwarming and a reminder that work and life are intersecting each day.

Colleagues, too, hold great influence.  The simple act of checking in and listening strengthens the social connections that we all are missing during remote work.  Throughout our advocacy, Sam and I have observed stirring acts of kindness: colleagues who step in to provide childcare for others due to closures of daycare facilities, faculty offering to teach a class when a peer is under stress, and staff donating vacation leave to those in need.

During difficult times, our own compassion and flexibility are part of our commitment to be the most sought-after place on campus. Resources for supervisors and parents and families are below.  Our consultant from Human Resources, Eric Kay<mailto:ewk at email.arizona.edu>, is also an excellent resource for supervisors and employees with questions.

Resources for Supervisors

  *   UA Supervisor Guidance<https://hr.arizona.edu/FY-2020-2021-Furlough-Program/Supervisors-Guidance> for the Furlough/Flex Leave Program: techniques to prioritize work, set remote and flexible work goals
  *   Employee Assistance Counseling<https://lifework.arizona.edu/counseling-coaching/employee-assistance-counseling>: supervisors are often the first to observe an employee experiencing stress and are in a great position to refer employees to this program.  This program offers employees confidential one-on-one employee consultation to cope with stress and emotional distress.
  *   Return to Work<https://hr.arizona.edu/content/return-campus-employees>: a webinar for supervisors scheduled for on August 5
  *   Returning to Workspaces<https://covid19.arizona.edu/reentry-plan/return-workspaces> to aid employees and supervisors with re-entry and protocols

Resources for Parents and Families

  *   July 15 Open Conversation<https://arizona.zoom.us/rec/share/-9RHHur81U9OBdLr113iS6J-GdnMX6a8hyQcrvUMmki4u2KAJws3maxnGtHa1PYh> with Vice President Burgess: children, SARS-CoV-2, school safety (begin playing at 18:18 time stamp)
  *   Childcare Choice<https://lifework.arizona.edu/programs/childcare-choice>: voucher program to defray costs of childcare
  *   Sick and Backup Childcare<https://lifework.arizona.edu/programs/sick-and-back-up-childcare>: program provides unexpected childcare in your home
  *   Childcare Consultations<https://lifework.arizona.edu/counseling-coaching/childcare-consultations>: personal one-on-one consultations with a childcare expert
  *   Adult & Elder Care Consultations<https://lifework.arizona.edu/counseling-coaching/adult-elder-care-consultations>: personal one-on-one consultations with an adultcare expert

CALS Students: Students in emergency financial need can apply for funding here<https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eX2oNQD4G3Iv1ch>.

[image0]
Jeffrey M Ratje
Associate Vice President, Finance Admin Operations
Division of Agriculture, Life and Vet Sciences & Cooperative Extension
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Forbes, 314c
PO Box 210036 | Tucson, AZ 85721
Office: 520-621-1468 |
jmratje at email.arizona.edu<mailto:jmratje at email.arizona.edu>
www.compass.arizona.edu<https://www.compass.arizona.edu/>


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