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Workload and wellbeing best practices recommended by McMaster’s President, Provost and Vice Presidents are being adopted in the Faculty of Science.

Dean Maureen MacDonald encourages faculty members and staff to adopt the following best practices to help ease workloads and stress:

Meetings:

• Book meetings for 20 or 50 minutes instead of 30 and 60 minutes to give everyone some time to step away from screens between meetings.
• Set an agenda for every meeting with designated times for each topic so meetings end on time.

Email:

• When sending non-urgent emails on nights and weekends, use the delayed delivery function in Outlook so there’s no expectation to immediately reply to emails sent outside of regular working hours.

Prioritization and Workload:

• Work with colleagues to decide what work is urgent and what work can be deferred.
• Distinguish between must-do and nice-to-do assignments and projects.
• Use Microsoft Teams or other systems to help manage workflow and reduce the need for meetings.

Build a supportive environment across our Faculty of Science:

• Initiate and join conversations that demonstrate support, comfort and build trust with colleagues.
• Remain active. Encourage physical activity and share information on online fitness activities developed by Athletics and Recreation