Dear Faculty and Staff:
UT Health San Antonio is working to improve its employee recognition efforts which, I’m sure you would agree, have a profound impact on our workplace culture and ability to fulfill our missions of education, research and patient care. A reputation for appreciating employees is one of the most effective levers we can use to attract and retain top talent, an attribute that is essential as we execute our significant growth plan.
Employee recognition efforts include many different programs and tactics at UT Health San Antonio. We are currently rolling out enhancements to our employee anniversary program designed to celebrate and acknowledge the immense impact of dedication by our staff and faculty during the past 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 years, served here, at our university, or at any UT institution.
These enhancements are directly based on feedback we received from faculty and staff through the most recent engagement surveys. This input led us to augment our acknowledgment of the years of employment with the specific achievements and contributions our valued employees have made.
To provide additional tools and resources for managers to support a more meaningful service anniversary program, UT Health San Antonio is partnering with O.C. Tanner, a company that leads the recognition industry offering easy-to-use appreciation solutions that are tailored to unique workplace cultures. Ongoing communication about these additions via O.C Tanner will come from Amy Tawney, vice president and chief human resources officer.
I am also pleased to announce that we are enhancing the special celebrations held at milestone anniversaries for our employees. Traditionally, we have held receptions for all employees celebrating a service milestone that have been popular and well attended. We know, of course, that there is room for improvement in the staging of these events. In response to specific recommendations and feedback from our faculty and staff, these events will be tweaked in order to better demonstrate a more appreciative, respectful and engaging spirit as we pause to celebrate such impressive dedication.
We will continue our tradition of hosting two celebrations each year, both held in the Holly Auditorium, for employees celebrating 5, 10 and 15 years of service. Managers, supervisors, colleagues, co-workers, family and friends of our loyal faculty and staff will all be strongly encouraged to join in these fun recognition events.
For those employees celebrating 20 or more years (at 5-year intervals) accrued at our university or at any UT institution, we are going to host a grand celebration, once a year, at an off-campus venue to include dinner and other special features that will fete the tenure and loyalty of these extraordinary employees. Stay tuned for more details regarding this year’s event on Thursday, Nov. 8.
I am grateful for all the feedback we have received on how to better recognize faculty and staff. To be able to share these momentous milestones of service to our organization is deeply meaningful for me. Thank you for your continued dedication to UT Health San Antonio and for all you contribute to our essential mission of making lives better for those we serve.
Sincerely,
William H. Henrich, M.D., MACP
President and Professor Medicine