A chili cookoff, a Halloween costume/decor competition, Meredith night at the Carolina Hurricanes, and an employee talent show are just a few ways Meredith College is enhancing community spirit this academic year. 

The Office of Human Resources and the newly formed Employee Enrichment Committee have organized several events for the Meredith community with more planned. Their goal is to create more community events where employees can enjoy time together, network to support each other, and have some fun. 

“We want to help employees feel a greater connection to each other and to the campus as a whole. Just as our students benefit from time together, so do employees,” said Associate Vice President for Human Resources Pamela Galloway. “While we’re all working hard and accomplishing so much for Meredith, we also need to have some fun.”

Galloway said a sense of community for employees has long been a strength at Meredith, but that this had lessened during the pandemic. The new efforts aim to rebuild camaraderie among employees. 

There are many benefits of building a stronger community, including positive energy, improved employee morale, and increased retention.

“Research shows that when we form bonds with coworkers, we tend to be happier at work, and we are more likely to enjoy the work we do,” Galloway said. “When we learn more about others, it can help make our work seem more meaningful. We can see how what we provide supports other functions, giving us that ‘finished product’ satisfaction.”

In addition to organized events, the committee also encouraged informal opportunities such as taking a walk to the tunnel to see the Class of 2025’s artwork and attendance at events like the Honoring Women Veterans ceremony in November. The Staff Affairs Committee also organized several tailgate events for staff before Avenging Angels athletic events this fall.