The Importance of the Year-End Gathering

The in-person gathering is fast approaching. While much has been written previously about the background to these in-person gatherings, with the benefit of experience of more in-person gatherings since they began in 2022, ALT recently discussed the value of these gatherings.

Some may wonder why – in this time of budget austerity and uncertainty – we remain committed to gathering in person. It may seem counterintuitive or possibly even tone deaf. But the (not-so-simple) answer to this is our collective commitment to a remote-first workplace. 

Being a remote-first workplace has a variety of benefits, but there is broad acknowledgment from our team and from workplace research that one of its drawbacks is less face-to-face interaction with peers. Face-to-face interactions are critical for personal connection and collaboration. Perhaps now more than ever, these personal connections are what keep us motivated. Coming together through thoughtful interactions and opportunities to celebrate are, for many, the most meaningful parts of our workplace right now. 

These gatherings also provide a structured opportunity for teams to gather to complete work that is best done in person. As outlined in our Remote-First Guidelines, work that is best done in person includes:

1. Work that requires innovation, collaboration, conversation, brainstorming, or group creativity with many interdependent parts
2. Some training and professional development
3. Team building and social interaction with colleagues

The plans for December include all three of these elements:

1. Many teams have scheduled unit and/or department meetings to complete work/discussions that require innovation, collaboration, conversation, brainstorming, or group creativity.
2. There are two optional professional development sessions scheduled on Dec. 6 for all staff that are best delivered in person.
3. The Advancement Appreciation Event on Dec. 5 is our first opportunity to celebrate the contributions of this team to the extraordinary announcement of the $100-million gift on Nov. 2. We will also recognize staff celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 years of service to the Office of Advancement and the winners of the Heney and Flynn Awards at the Advancement Holiday Staff Reception on Dec 6.

 I acknowledge that this fall is different. ALT understands that this fall is undoubtedly different. Given the benefits of this gathering in a remote-first workplace, we nonetheless look forward to gathering in person again.

2023-24 Plans

In light of the deferral of activities originally planned for 2023-24 during the lead-up to the Nov. 2 announcement, some have asked about plans and priorities for the remainder of this fiscal year. ALT has a quarterly full-day meeting on Dec. 11. We will discuss our focus for the remainder of the fiscal year in relation to our original plans that afternoon. 

Don’t forget to RSVP  

As the holiday season approaches, let's come together as a team to enjoy each other’s company, recognize service, and celebrate special awards.

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (with programming from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm)
Location: Lobby of Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

We have a program planned which will include service recognition and awards. It's an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and hard work of our team members. The gathering will be accompanied by a spread of appetizers and refreshments.

Please register here to confirm your attendance and provide us with any accommodation or food allergy information you'd like us to be aware of.

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Jobs with Advancement 

We need your recruitment help. Know great talent that would be a good addition to our team? If so, please promote the vacancies below with your networks and let’s find some amazing new team members.

Applications (including a cover letter and résumé) must be submitted through CareerQ. For more information on this posting, please reach out to either Carla Ferreira Rodrigues or the hiring manager for the position you are interested in.
 

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