What Is Focus and Learn Day?

During Fall 2020, People & Workplace Culture collected feedback from employees, and a prominent theme was the desire for more time with fewer meetings. In response to this feedback, we held our first Focus and Learn Day on Friday, March 19. We have two more Focus and Learn Days scheduled in our pilot program on Friday, April 16 and Friday, May 21. This day provides time free from meetings or interruptions for employees to catch up on neglected tasks or projects, focus on strategic planning and organization and engage in learning. 

Of the many people who responded to the survey, 64% of them participated in the March 19th Focus and Learn Day and of those participants, 80% felt it was a positive use of their time and 98% want to do it again. Some of the comments received were: 

“That was the best experience ever…” 
“I feel better equipped to do my work and more accomplished in my position." 
“I felt such relief being able to catch up on everything that has had to be put on the back-burner." 
“It was highly beneficial to be able to focus on tying up some loose ends without feeling like I had to be drawn away to respond to new projects and requests." 

Blocking your calendar for April 16 as Focus and Learn day right now may allow you to have the focus you need to give that project or planning some quality time. Supervisors are asked to refrain from scheduling meetings on this day, and individuals are encouraged to delay sending and receiving phone calls and emails until the following Monday. 

“The goal is to provide our SLCC faculty and staff time to be free of the distractions, ideally poised to go into a weekend with a sense of purpose and accomplishment and ready to start the next week more focused,” says Sara Reed, Associate Vice President People and Workplace Culture. 

For suggestions to enhance your Focus and Learn Day and FAQs, check out the website.