Chief Human Resources Officer
Employee engagement is akin to orchestrating a symphony, where each employee’s voice represents a unique instrument contributing to the harmonious melody of organizational success. Just as a conductor meticulously listens to every section to ensure coherence and brilliance, effective and influential leaders tune into the diverse perspectives of their workforce to gather valuable feedback. In this analogy, the workplace becomes a grand stage where every individual, like a skilled musician, plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant and resonant composition. Just as a symphony thrives on collaboration and unity among its players, fostering an environment where every employee feels heard and valued is essential for cultivating engagement and unleashing the organization’s full potential. In today’s rapidly evolving higher education landscape, colleges and universities continuously seek ways to thrive and stay competitive.
Recognizing the critical role of employee engagement, the University of Tennessee System is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters engagement at all levels. Employee engagement reflects an employee’s willingness to give discretionary effort and commitment to the organization’s vision and values. Engaged employees are emotionally connected to their work, feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and are more likely to stay motivated, productive and innovative. We believe engaged employees are more flexible, adaptable and resilient in facing challenges and are essential for creating a vibrant, inclusive, collaborative workplace culture that drives productivity and satisfaction, positively impacting the organization’s overall success. They also exhibit higher levels of loyalty and advocacy for their organizations.
As evidenced during our post-employee engagement survey action planning visits to all five campuses and two institutes learning of their collective action plans based on the feedback in our recent 2023 engagement surveys, the University of Tennessee System is actively championing employee engagement initiatives across its campuses. These initiatives, including professional development programs, leadership development, mentorship opportunities and robust communication channels, highlight the University of Tennessee System’s focus on empowering its employees. We strive to foster an environment where employees feel valued, supported and connected to the University’s mission, values and strategic goals.
By prioritizing and investing in employee engagement initiatives, the University of Tennessee System is positioning itself as a leader in creating a highly engaged workforce. Through its commitment to fostering a culture of engagement, the University lays the foundation for enhanced productivity, innovation, and overall organizational and academic excellence. UT is poised to create a transformative impact on its campuses and the broader community by nurturing an engaged workforce.
Brian K. Dickens, Chief Human Resources Officer
UT System Administration
