In response to extensive feedback from employees at all levels across UTMB in 2014, the university began looking for more effective ways to communicate
within our departments, schools and institution as a whole. Research pointed to the need for a more reliable, intentional system of communication that provided an opportunity for face-to-face interaction and two-way communication.
As part of the resulting internal communications redesign, the Internal Communications Council (ICC) was formed, and Weekly Relays were introduced on Feb. 26, 2015. Mid-year improvements, including the addition of Did You Know items,were made in response
to feedback from Relay Leaders along the way.
A recent employee survey about Weekly Relays indicated the program is meeting the goal of strengthening internal communications so that employees are better informed, understand how they fit in the UTMB mission, and have a reliable way to voice
concerns and get answers to their questions. Results also pointed to some ways the program can be improved.
With the one-year anniversary of Weekly Relays, the ICC and Office of Marketing and Communications will be making additional modifications in response to the survey data to make the initiative even better.
Weekly Relays remain a core means of sharing important information across our campuses, clinics and other facilities each week. Other existing communications channels will be enhanced over the coming months, including a redesign of iUTMB to make information
easier to find. As internal communication channels are refined,Marketing and Communications will develop content guidelines to help determine the best channel for particular news items.
In addition to Weekly Relays and in response to feedback from employees, executive leadership kicked off the “Town Hall On the Road” program back in September, which brings executives to work sites to meet with employees who cannot
attend traditional Town Hall meetings in Levin Hall on the Galveston Campus. Locations thus far have ranged from conference rooms on the Galveston Campus to the Angleton Danbury Campus and locations in League City and Webster. Visits will continue
throughout the year.
Marketing and Communications also brought back a printed version of this newsletter in response to survey and focus group feedback, to complement the online version. And, we created a new Facebook page geared to our internal community. Sign
up to follow “I Am UTMB” for news of interest to our employees, students and volunteers.
Employees also can help improve communication. Attend your area’s Weekly Relay.Ask questions. Share concerns. And let Marketing and Communications know about good stories in your area. We look forward to working together to stay connected
to one another and to our university’s mission.