Kindness in the Workplace Initiative
The Kindness in the Workplace campaign, led by Human Resources, aims to raise awareness of the importance of kindness and civility in our community. The initiative aims to clearly define what civility means, set expectations for respectful behavior, and encourage everyone to reflect on and self-check their own actions, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration across campus. Throughout this campaign, which will run from October 2024 through June 2025, Human Resources will provide resources and workshops to equip staff members of all levels to hold respectful conversations (regardless of stress levels) and utilize influence and tools in a positive way to effectively address any issues or conflicts they may encounter in the workplace.
About the Campaign
Building on the foundational work President Towers and Provost White are leading to create a culture of mutual respect, care, equity, and belonging, the Kindness in the Workplace initiative invites all staff to recommit to building a more respectful and inclusive workplace environment. Led by a team of staff within Human Resources, this initiative will focus on promoting effective, authentic communication, encouraging self-awareness, and building skills for civil discourse.
How it Works
Throughout this year-long campaign, we’ll offer workshops, training sessions, tools, and engagement activities to enhance communications skills, reinforce mutual respect and shared values, and empower leaders at all levels to address instances of incivility in a variety of circumstances and forums.
Ways to Participate
- Explore our Civility Toolkit to learn more about civility in the workplace, review tips to confront and address incivility, and ways you can practice self-awareness in your everyday interactions. You’ll also gain access to helpful resources to practice and promote kind behavior within your teams.
- Join a virtual workshop. Upcoming workshops include Leading by Example: Setting the Standard for Civility on October 31st and Conflict Resolution Through Civility & Empathy on November 14th. These sessions are open to all staff members.
- Sign up for our two-part Management Training to learn how to set expectations from the top down and ensure a safe and supportive workplace environment. Training sessions are open to all staff members whether you’re currently a manager or interested in management, and are offered on a monthly basis through June.
- Reach out to HR to schedule a personalized kindness and civility training for your department. Our Organizational Development team offers a range of internal consulting and training opportunities that can be customized for your specific needs. Contact Ali Cherasia to discuss how the OD team can assist you.
Upcoming Events
- Conflict Resolution Through Civility & Empathy, November 14th at 10am
- Respect and Responsibility: Maintaining Civility on Campus, December 5th at 10am
- Manager Essentials Part I: The Essentials, November 19th at 10am
- Manager Essentials Part II: Putting Theory into Practice, December 3rd at 10am
Additional University Events
- Talking About the Hard Stuff: The Faculty Center will run a number of one-hour sessions throughout fall 2024 on how to create space for discomfort and dialogue. Review upcoming session dates and RSVP for a virtual session here. Sessions are open to New School faculty and staff.
- Provost's Office Events Hub: The Provost's Office hosts and organizes a wide range of events for students, faculty, and staff. With the goal of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for members of our university community and the general public, workshops, panels, roundtables, and receptions are held throughout the academic year.
Questions?
For questions about this new initiative, please email the Organizational Development team at staffdevelopment@newschool.edu.