On March 10, Kay Turner, Esq., Vice President for Human Resources, Fordham University, visited Dr. Edna Chun’s Introduction to HCM class to share her perspectives on employee engagement.
Kay Turner emphasized the importance of listening and talking to employees in order to develop initiatives that they value and that enhance their discretionary commitment to the organization. She also explained how the philosophy of “cura personalis” or care for the whole person which is part of Fordham’s Jesuit mission applies to employee engagement. She describes “cura personalis” as an important intrinsic motivator. As such, in 2020, Fordham’s president, Joseph M. McShane SJ made the decision not to layoff employees during the pandemic, despite the financial difficulties that resulted from this unprecedented situation. Kay Turner described one of the main challenges she has faced as an HCM leader is decentralization within the university and the need to develop programs that address the specific needs of different schools, departments, and constituencies. By building networks of HR liaisons and contacts with different committees and groups, HCM leaders can ensure that they are receptive to what matters to employees and what gives them meaning in their work. She emphasized the necessity of taking the time to learn what employees value. Her expert and informed guidance in building engagement initiatives greatly enriched the class.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any other person or entity.