Rays of Light Bringing Sunshine Into the Workplace

Rays of Light: Bringing Sunshine Into the Workplace Presenters: Stacy Nale, LMFT Stephanie Preston, LMHC

Introductions Stacy Nale, M. A. Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Stephanie Preston, M. Ed. Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Learning Outcomes • Provide information about the Sunshine Committee and how it creates a culture of ethical workplace caring • Share simple and cost-effective ways to recognize staff milestones and celebrate aspects of staff diversity through passive programming • Bring together staff from across campus in a spirit of play and fun

Pop Quiz How many people work at CAPS? 49

Pop Quiz What is the name of our animal-assisted therapy dog?

Pop Quiz Where is CAPS located?

Pop Quiz Approximately how many therapy groups do we run each semester? 21 Groups

CAPS Services • • Brief Individual Counseling Brief Couples Counseling Group Counseling & Workshops Crisis Intervention Educational Outreach Programs Consultation & Referral Innovative Programming: Healing Arts, Animal Assisted Therapy, Healthy Knight Expo

CAPS Staff

CAPS Staff 2014 -2015

Committee Structure of CAPS Primary: Secondary: Clinical Outreach Training Sunshine Workplace Wellness Clinical Review Equity and Inclusion Program Evaluation & Research

What is Sunshine? Sunshine Committee Mission Statement: To create a culture of caring and connection by acknowledging special occasions for CAPS staff. • Organize and encourage CAPS participation in campus-wide events • 5 members (Staggered 2 year commitment) • Monthly meetings and communication via email

Examples of What We Do • All are welcome to participate in events • We scale events based on resources • Financial sustainability through voluntary donations • We strive to recognize diversity

Sunshine Examples • Welcoming of newly hired staff members (Ongoing) • Participation in SDES School Supply Drive (August)

Sunshine Examples • Monthly birthday celebrations and “Happy Birthday” door signs (Ongoing)

Sunshine Examples • Halloween Trick-or-Treating (October)

Sunshine Examples • Gratitude Potluck Luncheon (November)

Sunshine Examples • Acknowledgment of significant milestones such as passing professional licensure exam (Ongoing) • Participation in SDES Door Decorating Contest and Toys for Tots collection (December) • Food Drive for UCF Knights Helping Knights Pantry (December) • Farewell celebrations for departing staff members (Ongoing)

Sunshine Examples • Holiday Potluck Luncheon and gift exchange (December)

Sunshine Examples • Purchase of Keurig machine for staff break room • Expression of support for staff during times of illness and bereavement (Ongoing) • Crockpot chili cooking contest (February)

Sunshine Examples • Valentine’s Day “What Do You Love? ” appreciation hearts (February)

Sunshine Examples • Staff self-care programs during Spring Break (March)

Sunshine Examples • Baby showers for expectant parents (Ongoing) • St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Charms breakfast cereal bar (March)

Sunshine Examples NEW IN 2015!!! Work Appropriate April Fool Pranks

Sunshine Examples • Administrative Professionals Day gifts and appreciation (April )

Sunshine Examples • End of Year Potluck Celebration for Trainees & Interns (May)

Why This Is Important “Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Practitioners” NASPA and ACPA (2010) - Personal Foundations Competency Area - Human and Organizational Resources Competency Area

CAPS Staff Feedback • “Guaranteed time away from the hustle and bustle to spend time with co-workers and interact and chat about non work related issues. A good sense of feeling valued and cared for when my birthday is recognized. I like that we recognize special events in peoples lives and have an opportunity to celebrate” • “I appreciate that we are encouraged to indulge in fun things like eating cake or watching a fun video or participate in a holiday party or dancing! Participating in a sunshine event forces me to stop and pause and I value that. ”

CAPS Staff Feedback • “I think it is GREAT! My absolute favorite was Halloween. That was beyond anything I have ever experienced at any workplace. I also love the potlucks and birthday celebrations. It really makes it a fun workplace, makes people feel special, and brings humor to a sometimes heavy day with the cases we have. ” • “I love the signs on the doors for people’s birthday and/or special life events. I love all the pot luck meals we have (awesome to taste everyone’s special recipes), and I love just the existence of the committee”

CAPS Staff Feedback • “It brings staff together. It makes us feel like we are valued as employees. ” • “I appreciate Sunshine Committee’s innovation; partnerships with other committees, for example: Work Place Wellness committee to create larger events; and commitment to diversity (i. e. : potlucks. Celebrations to include partners, etc. ). I appreciate Sunshine Committee checking in with people individually before making final decisions to celebrate an event or to acknowledge a loss due to differences in wants/needs. ”

Issues and Considerations • • • Continue providing essential services Most events occur during lunch Sunshine fatigue Boundaries/Privacy Approval for Bigger Events Financial Limitations

Bringing Sunshine into Your Workplace IDEA SWAP What are you doing within your area that enhances morale or increases productivity? OR Share something about your workplace or position that energizes you…

Special Thanks to Wade Arnold for taking CAPS pictures and to Glenda Brown for creating Power. Point!