As we strive to strengthen organizational trust, accountability, and leadership, the Division of HR has identified four key initiatives crucial for fostering growth and engagement. This update provides an overview of each initiative and its status.
1. Transform Staff Performance Management Process
As part of our effort to transform RPI’s culture, as promised, we have made some substantial changes to the staff performance evaluation process. These changes are intended to foster a more transparent, feedback-driven culture that focuses on continuous growth and development for all staff. This process will set the foundation for recognizing high performers as well as supporting those who might need assistance achieving goals.
- Introducing RPI MAX (Maximizing Achievement and eXcellence), our new staff performance evaluation process!
- A stronger focus on individual competencies and goal setting that are linked to the RPI Forward Plan.
- A shift from yearly evaluations to continuous performance feedback between managers and employees.
- An online system to streamline the process.
Current staff evaluations will be conducted using the hardcopy ‘PMT’ for the final time in May 2025. RPI MAX will launch during the FY ’26 performance evaluation cycle.
2. Create Impactful Leadership Development Programs
- NEW Workshops & Programs:
- Leading from Anywhere: 2-hour workshop emphasizing key leadership behaviors that can be modeled by everyone.
- Supervisory Essentials: 8-hour seminar to equip managers and supervisors with essential management tools.
- Perspectives Program: 6-month program for senior leaders that includes coaching, peer collaboration, and self-directed activities that create personalized learning experiences (coming soon).
Faculty and staff who have attended these pilot workshops unanimously agree — they would highly recommend to others! Keep an eye out in Morning Mail and through Percipio for ways to sign up!
3. Strengthen Rewards and Recognition Program
- An Institute-wide committee is reviewing proposals for an online platform to aid in the facilitation of peer-to-peer recognition, performance recognition, milestone celebrations, and provide a diverse range of awards customized to individual employee preferences.
- Check out this video showcasing Peer-to-Peer Recognition shared by attendees of the 2024 Benefits Expo!
- Check out our new Monthly Announcements that highlight recently hired employees!
4. Assess Institute-wide Total Compensation (Pay and Benefits)
- An external consultant will be engaged in the coming months to conduct a comprehensive study of pay and benefits to ensure Institute-wide equity and fairness. The study will also ensure we stay competitive as a premier employer.
- The study will result in an update of the current Institute-wide total compensation philosophy utilizing benchmarks to peer institutions.
These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to enriching the Employee Experience at RPI and cultivating a supportive workplace culture. We extend our gratitude to many key campus partners and workgroups who have contributed to the development of these programs. In the coming months, we will provide further details, including timelines and available resources, and we welcome your feedback as we progress.
