The OSD team serves as a central resource for organizational and staff development needs, providing a range of programs, services, and resources designed to enhance individual and team performance, leadership effectiveness, and overall organizational health.
- Leadership Development: Providing comprehensive programs and resources to cultivate effective leadership skills at all levels, from emerging leaders to seasoned executives.
- Professional Development: Offering a range of resources to enhance employee skills and expertise.
- Team Development: Offering team-building resources, conflict resolution training, and other interventions to foster high-performing teams.
- Performance Management: Supporting both managers and employees in effective performance management.
- Organizational Development: Partnering with departments and units to address specific organizational challenges and implement strategies for improvement.
To further support managers in leading their teams effectively, the OSD team includes dedicated HR Consultants. These consultants serve as strategic partners, working directly with managers to:
- Provide coaching and guidance: Offering one-on-one coaching to managers on leadership skills, performance management, and other relevant topics.
- Facilitate problem-solving sessions: Supporting managers in addressing team dynamics and resolving conflicts effectively.
- Connect managers with relevant OSD resources: Serving as a point of contact and navigation for the full range of OSD programs and HR services.
Climate Assessments
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment, Human Resources conducts comprehensive climate assessment of UConn workplaces (e.g., departments, organizations) at the request of an executive leader.
Success is built on the hard work, dedication, and creativity of each team member, and it's crucial that UConn ensures our work environments align with our collective values and supports employee well-being. Assessments aims to gather valuable insights into various aspects of our workplaces, including climate, communication, and overall employee satisfaction.
The feedback we gather from assessments is instrumental in shaping future initiatives to enhance the work experience for everyone. Employee input is invaluable, whether that be through focus groups, individual interviews, or survey tools.
360 Evaluations
A 360 evaluation at UConn is a performance review process that provides an employee with feedback from multiple sources, including peers, subordinates, superiors, and sometimes external stakeholders like donors, alumni, corporate partners, and colleagues at other universities or Connecticut state agencies.
HR provides 360 evaluations upon request by executive leadership.
Facilitation and Mediation
Facilitation
HR's Organizational and Staff Development team offer meeting facilitation services on an ad hoc basis, and there is no cost associated with facilitation services when using an HR employee as a facilitator.
Departments may consider facilitation services for strategic planning, major or long-term projects, or when it would be helpful for an "outside" individual familiar with UConn to lead a discussion or conversation.
Mediation
HR offers contracted mediation services to departments to help resolve workplace matters that do not include formal disputes or grievances through collective bargaining.