At West Virginia University, we are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel respected, valued and supported.
With the support of President Benson, the Division of Talent and Culture is launching a multi-year effort to strengthen our culture and make WVU an even better place to work, learn and grow.
This past spring, the Talent and Culture team conducted Employee Experience Focus Groups to hear directly from faculty and staff about what it’s like to work at WVU, and these conversations gave us a starting point for understanding where we are today and where we can improve.
Over the summer, we analyzed the feedback you shared and identified several important themes. We learned strong relationships between employees and their direct supervisors are one of our greatest strengths and serve as a foundation for our day-to-day operations. At the same time, we saw opportunities to invest further in leader and staff development.
Many of you also expressed interest in a fresher and more meaningful approach to recognition that goes beyond systemwide awards. These insights — and others — will guide our next steps as we work together to shape a stronger employee culture.
Today, we are moving into the second phase of this project — initiating conversations with college/unit leaders, setting expectations for change and sharing information with you.
Our Strategic HR Partner team has begun meeting with college/unit leaders to share college/unit-specific feedback from these focus groups.
Leaders will then meet with their employees by Oct. 31 to discuss this feedback and begin planning for the future.
As part of this effort, our plan includes:
Developing Culture Action Teams in every college/unit to bring together both individual contributors and leaders.
Creating Culture Action Plans that prioritize issues and identify clear goals.
Gaining insights and identifying solutions for improvement based on employee feedback and unit needs.
Engaging with Great Place to Work as a partner to help us measure progress and guide our efforts.
Working toward Great Place to Work certification by 2028 — not as our end goal, but as an important milestone in working together to build the culture we desire.
Alongside President Benson, we are excited to begin this new chapter focused on listening, collaboration and meaningful change.
Our goal is to foster a culture that supports you — our employees — and strengthens the University as a whole.
As you learn more about this process, please don’t hesitate to bring questions to your SHRP.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Together, we will build a culture that reflects the very best of WVU.
Let’s Go!