Employee Events Help Enhance Sense of Community at Meredith

A chili cookoff, a Halloween costume/decor competition, Meredith night at the Carolina Hurricanes, and an employee talent show are just a few of the ways that Meredith College is enhancing community spirit this academic year.

The Office of Human Resources and the newly formed Employee Enrichment Committee have organized several events for the Meredith community, with more planned for the spring. Their goal is to create more community events where employees can enjoy time together, network to support each other, and have some fun.

“We want to help employees feel a greater connection to each other and to the campus as a whole. Just as our students benefit from time together, so do employees,” said Associate Vice President for Human Resources Pamela Galloway. “While we’re all working hard and accomplishing so much for Meredith, we also need to have some fun.”

Galloway said a sense of community for employees has long been a strength at Meredith, but that this had lessened during the pandemic. The new efforts aim to rebuild camaraderie among employees.

There are many benefits of building a stronger community, including positive energy, improved employee morale, and increased retention. 

“Research shows that when we form bonds with coworkers, we tend to be happier at work, and we are more likely to enjoy the work we do,” Galloway said. “When we see others, and learn more about them, it can help make our work seem more meaningful. We can see how what we provide supports other functions, giving us that ‘finished product’ satisfaction.”

While many offices may need to coordinate coverage, Galloway emphasized that the goal of these enrichment events is to create opportunities for employees to come together and all employees are encouraged to participate.

“The biggest way to have an impact on our community is to just come to events and participate,” Galloway said. “The best way to contribute is to be part of the events, be open to meeting new people, network to share ideas and support each other, and be part of the campus community. Put events on your calendar and then make the time to actually come – do it for yourself and for others.”

Taking a break also benefits employees and the College as a whole because of the mental health and wellness benefits this provides.

“Sometimes that break and getting fresh air while walking to an event, can help us be more productive, and being healthier can have a positive impact on attendance and health expenses,” Galloway said.

In addition to organized events, the committee also encourages informal opportunities such as taking a walk to the tunnel to see the Class of 2025’s artwork and attendance at events like the Honoring Women Veterans ceremony in November. The Staff Affairs Committee also organized several tailgate events for staff before Avenging Angels athletic events this fall.

Members of the Employee Enrichment Committee are

• Jeff Martinson (History, Political Science, International Studies, & Religion)
• Cathie Ostrowski (Graduate Programs/ Nutrition, Health and Human Performance)
• Lormarev Jones (Theatre)
• Anna Blount (Marketing)
• Nicole Trizano (Communication, Dance & Theatre, and Health, Exercise & Sport Sciences)
• Joe Mazzola (Graduate Programs/I-O Psychology)
• Jamie Allen (Staff Affairs Representative/Psychology & Social Work)
• Thomas Grabou (Aramark / Dining Services)
• Pamela Galloway (Human Resources)

Galloway welcomes suggestions for future events. Share ideas with committee members or with Human Resources at hr@meredith.edu.