Life University Staff Council Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 2 | Page 2
A ROU N D Human Resources CAMPUS Each quarter, we feature a different department in the Around Campus article. This quarter, we talked to staff in the Human Resources department. STAFF NEWSLETTER: Where are you located? HUMAN RESOURCES: 1075 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060 SN: How many people work in your department? HR: We have eight full-time employees and two work study positions SN: Does your department have a mission/main goal? What is it? HR: Yes. The Human Resources Department is committed to advancing Life’s goal of providing a performance-centered environment in which all Life University community members are inspired and empowered by supporting a culture of innovation and opportunity. We support the University’s mission of excellence in teaching and patient care through leading, supporting, and partnering with the Life University community to achieve workplace excellence. SN: What are your hours? HR: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. SN: How long has your department been in existence? HR: The HR department was established in 2004 under the current administration. SN: Are you on the LIFE website? HR: Yes, https://www.life.edu/about-pages/human-resources/officeof- human-resources/ SN: Brag about yourself for a minute. In what specific ways have you impacted LIFE students as a department? HR: In the past 10 years, the Human Resources department has evolved from a transactional department to a strategic transformational department. We have implemented programs that encourage a partnership with management and staff such as the HR Business Partner model. The new Leadership Enrichment and Development Program (LEAD) is providing existing and future leaders with the ability to enhance core competencies that are proven essential components for leadership capabilities. This program enhances the ability of managers and staff to support and encourage students to reach their maximum potential. HR provides guidance and support to students seeking student employment using programs such as Federal Work Study and for Part Time Student positions. HR continues to strive to develop a work setting that thrives on diversity, continuous improvement, individual and organizational performance and exceptional customer service. SN: Describe your department in a nutshell. HR: The Life University Human Resources department supports approximately 800 employees (including student workers) through talent acquisition, on-boarding, employee engagement, benefits administration, organizational development, performance management, worker’s compensation, student injuries, strategic counsel, employee relations and essential HR operations. Our programs and services aspire to create and sustain a work environment that cultivates excellence and supports the University’s goals, and serve as a source of information, expertise, advocacy and support for faculty, staff, management and the Life community at large. We demonstrate Lasting Purpose through the Four Standards in our actions and behavior: • By displaying a continuous attitude of helpfulness – By listening to and addressing employees’ concerns in a timely manner. • User friendly always – Commend the needs of various business units with authenticity to gain the rapport necessary to speak candidly and openly about concerns. • A personal commitment to building relationships – HR strives to partner with the Life Community by providing recourses such as the HR Business Partners, Employee Relations Officer and subject matter experts. • Managing to the best solution – Continuously improving the way we support Life’ Community. Things we do: • Effectively recruit key talent to meet the needs of the University’s 20/20 vision. • Enhance the employee life cycle, which empowers succession planning and retention of key talent. • Use technology to integrate Human Resource management strategies and systems to achieve the overall goals and mission of the University. • Evaluate, negotiate and manage a variety of employee benefit plans. • Use communication to exchange information, deal with conflicts in an open and honest manner, learn to trade off issues for the good of the whole and make better decisions for the good of the University. • Provide professional development with our Leadership Enrichment and Development Program (LEAD).