President's Message December 2021

What a difference a year makes!  Twelve months ago, we were in the midst of lockdown:  working from home, going out only to shop for groceries, cautiously gathering outside with people “in our bubble,” and hopeful that a vaccine would one day be available.  Fast-forward to today:  vaccines are available, most of us have returned to the workplace, and students have returned to campus.  Yet life is far from normal.

And what is your work like today?  Here’s what people said in response to last month’s Pulse Survey (18 responses):

1)      What is the functional scope of your work today, compared to 1-2 years ago?

  1.    Broader – 66.67%
  2.    About the Same – 27.78%
  3.    More Narrow – 5.56%

2)      What is the volume of your work today, compared to 1-2 years ago?

  1. More Work – 72.22%
  2. About the Same – 27.78 %
  3. Less Work – 0%

3)      For fun:  Rank your favorite Thanksgiving food

  1. Stuffing
  2. Mashed Potatoes
  3. Turkey
  4. Gravy
  5. Green Beans
  6. Pumpkin Pie

Today, we are continuing to adapt to the new realities of the workplace, and we’ll need to continue to adapt for the foreseeable future.  Since many of us work in offices of just one or two people, let’s continue to lean on one another across institutions for support and creative solutions to current-day challenges!  And during this last month of 2021, let’s all take the time we need to retreat from the stresses of work and recharge with loved ones.

Here’s to wishing you a holiday season filled with all things good!

James Chang

University of Oregon