While a welcoming workplace climate is linked to increased employee job satisfaction, productivity and well-being, building a respectful culture in academic units can be tricky.  

The University of Michigan ADVANCE Program’s new podcast, “ADVANCING Faculty Excellence,” unpacks workplace climate research to offer practical strategies for addressing this challenge.

In this debut season, each episode features a climate case study rooted in persistent challenges encountered in faculty settings, such as addressing power imbalances on a faculty search committee or distributing service assignments fairly among colleagues.  A member of ADVANCE’s Respect in Striving for Excellence (RISE) Committee or broader faculty network participates in each solutions-oriented discussion, with relatable stories, personal takes on current research, and camaraderie for the learning journey.

Drawing upon RISE’s Eight Levers to Shift Climate for Respect and Inclusion, these lively conversations uncover concrete strategies for cultivating a respectful workplace climate, from intentionally arranging physical space to establishing routines and structures to promote collegial interactions.

To date, ADVANCE has released a podcast trailer and two episodes, with more to come this semester. 

• Episode One addresses the problem of disparaging remarks in faculty meetings. What steps can a faculty member take when a colleague insults others, intentionally or not? Christy Simonian-Bean, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching Theatre Program associate director and RISE member, walks listeners through preventive approaches and interventions that can make a difference. 
• Episode Two centers on strategies for developing a disability-friendly climate, of particular importance when over 30% of faculty in some U-M departments report having a disability. Amy Hughes, ADVANCE faculty associate director and professor of theatre and drama in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, takes the lead in this discussion.

The season is co-hosted by Mike Liemohn, ADVANCE faculty associate director, RISE committee co-chair, and professor of climate and space sciences and engineering in the College of Engineering, and Kelsey Arras, ADVANCE communications and project specialist, who also produced and edited the podcast.

“Participating in complex, charged interactions can sometimes feel awkward and daunting, but when equipped with specific language and approaches, people gain confidence in working to improve their workplace cultures,” Liemohn said. “And, in the thick of our broader national environment of incivility, it’s vital to ensure that U-M community members treat one another with professionalism and dignity.”

The “ADVANCING Faculty Excellence” podcast is grounded in ADVANCE’s deep expertise in faculty climate. The RISE Committee studies published research on workplace climate to develop Raising Respect workshops and other resources for academic leaders, including the climate case studies that drive the “ADVANCING Faculty Excellence” podcast and are provided as separate PDFs on the ADVANCE website.

Some of the research that RISE examines comes from ADVANCE’s own climate studies. Since 2001, ADVANCE has conducted a comprehensive climate survey of all UM-Ann Arbor faculty every five years. In addition, ADVANCE has completed over 200 department climate assessments since 2002, many of which have been commissioned by a dean or chair to inform departmental reviews and strategic planning.

“The podcast is a natural next step for ADVANCE and a welcome addition to our portfolio. We’re eager to provide conversations about university climate in a format that is convenient, accessible, and engaging,” said Denise Sekaquaptewa, ADVANCE director; University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor; and professor of psychology in LSA. 

“Whether you listen while you’re driving home, exercising or cooking dinner, you’ll be sure to gain some new ideas about ways to build a workplace climate that allows everyone to thrive.” 

Listeners can tune in wherever they get their podcasts, or visit the ADVANCE website. Show notes and transcripts are available for each episode.