Download a PDF version of the 2022 Year in Review.

Note on dates: For 2021-2022, UHR shifted from calendar-year reporting to fiscal-year reporting. This year-in-review summarizes accomplishments since the 2020 report.

Future of Work

To connect with an ever-changing workforce, we integrated findings from the Future of Work initiative into permanent work practices.

• Issued Future of Work final report in April 2022
• Launched standardized Self Service application to submit work arrangements for ease of employees and leadership
• Created Future of Work micro-unit to oversee post-pandemic workforce arrangements

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Joining campus-wide efforts to foster inclusion, we took action that advances DEI.

• Sponsored 60+ foreign national employees for permanent residency
• Introduced Spanish-language versions of open enrollment guidebook and benefits options
• Revamped UHR website to enhance accessibility
• Sponsored DEI training for Senior HR leaders
• Translated recruitment materials into four languages (Spanish, Chinese [simplified], Chinese [traditional], and French)
• Completed CUPA-HR DEI Maturity Index with a group of HR professionals in fall 2021

Compensation, Payroll & Benefits

During FY 2022, we implemented compensation and pay practices that supported recruitment and retention, boosted employee morale, and rewarded professional excellence.

• Implemented incentive-based compensation for critical areas with difficult-to-fill roles
• Transitioned university back to single salary increase process
• Increased SPOT Awards to $300, up from $150 pre-pandemic

Well-Being & Mental Health

We continue to foster overall health and well-being for employees.

• Launched Emergency Hardship Fund to provide employees up to $1,000 for unforeseen expenses
• Introduced anonymous CAT leave program
• Distributed “We’re Here For You” swag at wellness events across campus
• Hosted mindfulness moments from liveWELL in Zoom meetings
• Launched Well-Being and Mental Health Collaborative

Operational Excellence

We’re committed to enhancing workforce operations for a new era of work. Some highlights of operational achievements from across UHR departments.

• Integrated Faculty and Staff Disability Services and Employee Labor Relations to improve service to the campus HR community
• Implemented CMS Covid-19 vaccination and exemption requirements alongside UIHC with a campus completion rate of 97%
• Created 35 transaction training modules completed by 58 employees
• EAP sponsored Postvention Mental Health Task Force in partnership with Division of Student Life and Office of the Provost
• Conducted 10 presentations for campus administrators on recruitment and retention strategies
• Benefits implemented You Ask, We Answer online resource for open enrollment support
• Created first leadership newsletter with employee subscription list and hosted in-person leadership events
• Actively contributed to Iowa Now “Trending Topics” articles, generating more than 7,000 website views
• Deployed Universal Case Initiation Form to increase efficiency and accuracy of immigration service delivery
• Talent Acquisition received a $315,000 P3 Program funding award to implement external job placement service to increase efficiency and strategic support of dual career placement
• Implementation of OE review process to launch recommendations and hired new Senior OE Director and OE Director of Operations