When the pandemic began, “leading with safety” became our motto. How could there be a higher priority for the people you care about and the lifeblood of your organization – our students, faculty and staff?
To lead with safety, we have had to learn everything we can about the virus. We use the expertise of our faculty and staff, consult with experts and follow scientific reports. This knowledge has helped us develop plans and protection strategies and anticipate decision-making to keep our college community as safe as possible.
While safety comes first, supporting our employees through these times is just as important. Shortly into the pandemic, we began a weekly virtual “coffee hour” to connect and check in with one another. Our employees discussed bread making, exercise routines and their favorite entertainment. We introduced games and relaxation techniques, and musical colleagues performed live. For many, coffee hours became the highlight of our week. Some employees told us that through these events they feel more connected to the college and their colleagues than ever before.
We wondered how we could build on this success. We began offering “Bristol Updates Live” before the coffee hour to share news, updates about the virus and how we were adapting. Employees were invited to provide updates. One of the key outcomes of this program is highlighting the great work and innovation being done at the college. It reminds us of our mission and passion for serving students. It makes us proud to be Bristol Bayhawks!