One of the central points in the current Rector's Council's Working Program is the topic of appreciation. For this reason, there have been several articles, interviews and statements in recent months in which the promotion and relevance of an appreciative culture at WU has been discussed. The Academic Staff Council expressly supports this concern, as the appreciative treatment of employees and the resulting greater satisfaction with the workplace is a core area of interest representatives’ work.

The topic of appreciation affects all members of the university and should be practiced in all constellations, whether between employees and students, between academic staff members and administrative staff or between employees and their superiors.

We already have rules for dealing with each other, such as the Code of Conduct for employees and the Code of Conduct for the WU community, which is also aimed at students.

Nevertheless, in our daily representatives’ work, we repeatedly experience situations between WU employees in which those involved were not treated with respect. Sometimes employees are even treated disrespectfully. It is important for everyone to be aware of whether such situations occur in their own environment and to offer help or at least a conversation to those affected. In this context, supervisors have a special responsibility to protect their employees due to their duty of care and can proactively offer them support. However, regular discussions between managers and employees are also an expression of appreciation.

In addition to supervisors, there are other contact persons at WU to whom those affected can turn. The two Staff Council Committees as representatives of employee interests are available during their consultation hours, but of course also beyond that in acute cases. Concerns can also be brought to the attention of all other Staff Council members. In addition, the Equal Opportunities Committee (EOC) is available to WU employees as a point of contact, especially in cases of discrimination. Disability representatives are available for issues related to disabilities. Employees can also seek support from the Personnel Office. Mediation is also available for serious conflicts between WU employees and organised by the Personnel Office.

For particularly stressful situations, there is also a separate counselling service available to WU employees, that can be used anonymously and on a low-threshold basis. In general, people affected by stressful or unpleasant situations should contact a person or committee of their trust at an early stage.

In order to prevent such stressful situations, we should all ensure that we are respectful in our daily interactions and communication - whether in person, on the phone or in writing. The goal is for members of WU to be able to work and study in a benevolent, appreciative and motivating environment, as described in the Rector's Council's work program.

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^{1 „Appreciation creates a friendly, respectful, and motivational environment. It promotes satisfaction and motivates our students and staff.“}

^22.03.2024

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