WERC: Wellbeing Engagement Recognition Community

 

 

Williams WERC (Wellbeing-Engagement-Recognition-Community) is a sounding board and organizing group, based in Human Resources, which focuses on the overall Williams employee experience. 

 

Mission

The WERC group values curiosity, connection, fun and celebration. Our mission is to nurture a culture that enhances collaboration, personal growth and a deep sense of belonging. We support programming, activities and resources which further this mission.

Charge 

1)  Support and Coordinate programming and events which:

  • Offer wellbeing initiatives
  • Facilitate community-building connections
  • Recognize achievements, such as work milestones and retirements
  • Honor the daily contributions of employees

2) Increase awareness of community opportunities by:

3) Develop tools and resources to enable managers and other leaders to support their staff holistically.

Structure, Partnerships, & Membership

Working broadly, WERC consults with the President’s Office, Benefits, Learning & Development, Communications and other groups (such as the Staff Committee) as it evaluates needs, encourages collaboration, supports current programs, and pilots initiatives.

The group is comprised of up to 10 members representing a broad cross-section of the campus. Five ex-officio representatives from Human Resources and the President’s Office guide the group’s agenda. 

  • Membership is a two-year commitment, expiring in December. Members can serve for two terms before taking a one-year break.
  • With the exemption of December and July, we meet monthly for strategizing and planning. Members are encouraged to devote some time outside of meetings for research and event support activity. 
  • New members are solicited annually. Staff may express interest themselves or be referred by others. 

Current members & Coordination

Current committee members:

Caitlin Brown, Office of College Relations

Kris Hoey, Athletics

Sarah Keyes, Theatre Department

Zeffa Kinney (she/her), Campus Safety Services (CSS), representative from Staff Committee

Carolyn Miles, Athletics

Nadine Nance, Libraries

Amy Wood, Office of College Relations

Ex Officio members:

Lauren Barenski, President’s Office

Megan Childers, Human Resources

Richard Duncan, Human Resources

Cecilia Hirsch, Human Resources 

Brenda Lepicier, Human Resources

 

Group Contact: Cecilia Hirsch, Human Resources (Coordinator)

 

Thanks to former member Mike Goodwin for our logo design!