What has the FS-DEI Team been doing lately?
We’ve been wrestling with how to strengthen accountability in the FS culture. Specifically, we’ve taken a deep dive into how we might formalize an upline feedback loop. That is, how can rank and file staff provide constructive comments to their supervisor. We’ve been wrestling with perceptions of fairness, confidentiality, transparency, oversight, participation, cultural, language and access barriers, etc. We’re still working on this, but we wanted to let you know what we’ve been up to. If you have something to add to this conversation, please let us know at fs-deihelp@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
How can you step up your game?
All staff and Cal can take courses, workshops, seminars and trainings to improve their personal and professional lives. There are literally hundreds of things you can do, many offered for free right here on campus, to expand your knowledge and skills to do your job better, be healthier and happier and move your career to the next level. This is referred to as Professional Development and we want you to know that you are allowed at least 40 hours per year, on the clock, for Professional Development. (Check with HR or your union rep, as the number of hours varies. Non-represented staff are granted 80 hours). There are tons of offerings and new programs are created all the time. To learn more, visit https://hr.berkeley.edu/grow(link is external)
A few tips to successfully use this amazing benefit:
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Meet with a Career Coach to map out your professional development plan. This is a free service available to all staff. For more info click here(link is external), then click on “Career Coach”
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Identify a course or program that will enhance your effectiveness at work,
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Determine if you can complete the program without reducing your productivity, otherwise, brainstorm on ways you can get the help you need to do your job while completing the program;
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Talk to your boss about your plan, why this program is good for you, and what support you will need while you’re engaged in the program. Your boss will be more likely to agree to your plan, if you show him/her/them that you’ve thought through these issues and are committed to completion of the program.
Mind your Mental Health
Life is stressful. Period. We want you to know that there are resources available to all staff to help you through whatever turmoil you may be facing.
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Employee Assistance(link is external)is a free and confidential counseling and referral service provided through Be Well At Work. You can schedule an appointment by calling (510) 643-7754 or emailing employeeassistance@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
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If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide please call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 at 988 or the Alameda County 24-hour Crisis Line at 1-800-309-2131. You do not need to be thinking of suicide to call.
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For a light mental health break, have a look at the work they’re doing over at the Greater Good Science Center