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November 15, 1999
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When colleagues in your department number close to 170, chances are you don't have the opportunity to meet everyone. But a recent retreat for Physical Plant not only gave employees in the largest department on campus the opportunity to know each other a little better, it was the beginning of an initiative that could make Physical Plant a model for teamwork.
"The purpose of the retreat, and others to follow, is to create a better working environment by opening the lines of communication among employees and supervisors," said Judith Hain, vice president for Human Resources. Every member of Physical Plant participated in one of two all-day retreats. "This may have been the first time all employees were brought together," Hain said. "It was a great opportunity for people to meet and get to know each other."
Fred Weinspach of Trades welcomed the chance to interact with his colleagues from other areas of Physical Plant. "At the retreat we were split into groups with people we don't directly work with," said the 13-year MSU veteran. "Very often we see each other and say, 'hello,' but we really don't know what each other does."
An open dialogue took place on issues of race, gender, ethnicity and communication. "We addressed areas of strength and areas with potential for improvement, and developed a shared vision for our future in the context of the work being done by Physical Plant," Hain said. "We are hoping this initiative will be a model for our own university as well as other colleges and universities."
Human Resources and the division of Business and Finance initiated the program along with two consultants who first met with focus groups from the three units within Physical Plant-Grounds, Housekeeping and Trades.
"At first it was a matter of gathering information from the various groups," Hain explained. "Then a proposal was submitted about issues that were of concern and possible ways of resolving those issues. The great part about the retreat was that every person had the opportunity to be heard."
Weinspach said the groups talked about a variety of workplace situations including interaction between supervisors and employees, and procedures for promotional opportunities. "It allowed us to bring issues out in the open, which is the only way things can be solved," he said. "The retreat was a very good thing. It's a way of keeping everyone aware." The retreat may have ended, but the initiative continues. A two-day retreat for members elected by their Physical Plant colleagues to be part of the Employee Leadership Group took place last week. About 20 members of the campus community will be trained in workplace skills and will become an integral resource for training both in Physical Plant and, eventually, throughout the University.
"I am excited to see the level of interest by the employees as evidenced by the high participation in the election for the Employee Leadership Group," said Patricia Hewitt, vice president for Business and Finance. "I am encouraged that we are all interested in working together to accomplish the goals of the program."
Employees can nominate themselves to be trained by calling Hain or Hewitt by Nov. 24. "This is a broad-based initiative," Hain said. "Keeping the lines of communication open is essential in any good operation."