Hey everyone! I am looking for some creative ideas here.
Background:
I work for a state organization. Just like most of the other states this year, the budget is a mess and we are looking at an approximate $2 billion shortfall statewide. This has created a tremendous amount of uncertainty in our workplace, with rumors of layoffs being rampant. As of this time, we don’t know how much of a hit we are going to take, but we certainly will be taking one. Naturally we have been directed to economize, which has resulted in faculty being given extra courses to teach and funds for teaching assistants being drastically reduced. Staff people like myself have had to take on additional duties since any employees resigning at this time will not be replaced. Staff are also being squeezed space-wise - cubicles are being built in formerly open areas and staff people shoehorned into them because about a half-dozen new faculty were hired just before the announcement of the shortfall, and they must have offices (since contracts were signed with these people, we cannot un-hire them now, which has caused some heartburn as well). This has created a warren-like environment that is stress-inducing in itself.
Next year is projected to be even worse budget-wise, so no relief in sight. Add to that the fact that raises are out of the question for this year, and probably for next year as well, and you have a nervous, tired and po’d workforce on your hands.
So. Our HR person is trying to come up with something that will improve morale. Of course we all know what would really make us happier, but we can’t have that, so she is trying to put Plan B into effect and has solicited ideas from us. Thing is, I can’t think of a thing. I am so used to being forced into really silly HR stuff that’s supposed to make us all into one big slap-happy family, my brain is clogged. Does anyone know of any genuinely good ideas that could be implemented, because I’d love to pass along an actual valuable suggestion. It’s OK if it costs a little money, it just can’t cost a lot :).
Thanks y’all.