Workplace Expectations
As a continuous learning environment built upon Berea’s Great Commitments and Common Learning Goals, Berea College expects all workers “to be active learners, workers and serves,” and seeks to be a place where the Christian values of human compassion, dignity, and equity are expressed and lived.
Therefore, workers are expected to:
I. Exhibit Enthusiasm for Learning
Striving to learn and to grow both intellectually and personally so everyone is a learner and everyone is a mentor.
Sample Indicators:
ü Learns new things in various ways, both formal and informal, that assist in professional and personal growth.
ü Demonstrates and applies newly learned skills and abilities.
ü Shares knowledge in useful ways with co-workers.
ü Contributes to a workplace environment that encourages continuous learning.
II. Act with Integrity and Caring
Exhibiting honesty, trustworthiness, and compassion in one’s work and relationships.
Sample Indicators:
ü Does what the person said they would do and demonstrates an ability to say no when it is appropriate to do so.
ü Actions match words.
ü Exhibits trust and can be trusted by others.
ü Shows concern for others.
III. Value all People
Working to create an inclusive and respectful workplace that models the Great Commitments and seeks to find the best in all people.
Sample Indicators:
ü Appreciates and works well with those different from oneself.
ü Strives to create a workplace and campus where everyone feels welcome.
ü Respects others’ opinions and considers all viewpoints even when there are disagreements.
ü Expresses concern for getting work completed and balances that concern with the goals and feelings of others.
IV. Work as a Team
Developing collaborative and team oriented abilities that will create a community of mutual respect, common vision, and shared accomplishments.
Sample Indicators:
ü Encourages collaboration while assisting in the development of independent thinking.
ü Actively listens to understand the views of others.
ü Respects and considers the views of others.
ü Recognizes and builds on all team member’s strengths.
ü Assists team members in achieving goals that support the mission of the College.
V. Serve Others
Nurturing a climate of excellence in service that is responsive to others’ needs.
Sample Indicators:
ü Identifies who is served by one’s work, anticipates their needs, and delivers services in a professional manner to meet and exceed those needs.
ü Seeks input from others, including those served, in order to improve the work and its processes.
VI. Encourage Plain and Sustainable Living
Promoting a sustainable way of life through policies, procedures and practices in the workplace.
Sample Indicators:
ü Demonstrates responsible stewardship of all resources.
ü Encourages processes that sustain the environment.
ü Considers both natural and technological alternatives.
VII. Celebrate Work Well Done
Striving for excellence in all aspects of work and celebrating individual and collective accomplishments.
Sample Indicators:
ü Looks for and implements better ways of working.
ü Takes pride in work well done.
ü Shares credit for accomplishments with the entire team.
ü Acknowledges and expresses appreciation to co-workers for work well done.
With the Workplace Expectations serving as the model for how employees should conduct themselves on campus, it is usually helpful to also delineate types of behavior that are unacceptable in our workplace. These include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors/actions: falsifying employment or other College records; violating the College’s nondiscrimination or anti-harassment policies; excessive absenteeism or tardiness or leaving work without authorization; reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs or the manufacturing, possessing, distributing or transporting of illegal drugs; fighting or gambling on duty; using obscene, abusive or threatening language or gestures in the workplace; theft of property from the College, its clients or staff; possession of firearms on the College’s premises or while on College business; insubordination; failure to complete work assignments satisfactorily; disclosure of confidential information about the College, its clients, its staff, students or donors; misuse of College funds; damaging or destroying College equipment or property; disregard of safety or security rules; excessive use of College telephones for personal use or excessive use of personal cell phones while on work time.