Make Your Meetings More Active

  • Include items on your meeting agenda that require participants to get out of their seats (breakout groups, stand and write ideas on an easel).
  • Choose movement friendly meeting locations (walkable neighborhoods, on-site gym, nearby park).
  • Hire a professional instructor (pilates, yoga, tai chi, stretching, Zumba) to lead a class before or during the meeting.
  • Point out the stairs and encourage attendees to use them. Consider including the location of stairs in meeting directions or putting arrows to the stairs in front of elevators.
  • Organize a group walk early in the morning, during a break or before/after dinner.
  • Consider incorporating standing ovations after each speaker to encourage participants to stand and stretch.

Standing Breaks

  • At least once an hour, participants should be encouraged to stand up to improve blood circulation, boost metabolism, and relieve physical discomfort from sitting for prolonged periods of time.
  • Announce that it is fine to stand up and move around, as needed. If possible, provide raised tables for those electing to stand during the meeting.

Stretch Breaks

  • Stretch breaks help participants wake up their bodies and minds.
  • Encourage people to stand up and stretch in place.
  • Try playing a Healthy UC Davis WakeBreak video! These instructor-led stretch videos range from 4 to 15 minutes. 

Breathing Exercise

  • Focused breathing is an energizing activity that can help relax and clear your mind. Simply inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds.

Suggested Activity Agendas

LENGTH OF MEETINGSTANDING BREAKSTRETCH BREAKSBREATHING BREAKSMOVEMENT BREAKSWALKING BREAKS
50 - 60 minx x  
2 - 4 hoursxxxx 
All Dayxxxxx
Employee Experience Survey opens May 5

Employee Experience Survey Coming May 5

(emailed to employees April 28)

What is your experience like working at UC Davis?

On May 5, you’ll receive an email invitation to take the Employee Experience Survey. This is your opportunity to share feedback on belonging, job satisfaction, leadership, trust, career growth and other important topics that affect your work every day.

Everyone will receive the same set of 26 core questions, which take about 10 minutes to complete. Some employees at UC Davis Health will also receive a few additional questions specific to the clinical work environment.

You might be wondering, “Is now really the right time for a survey?

I believe it is. Listening is especially important during times of change and growth. When you share your honest feedback, it helps us understand where the university is doing well as an employer and where we can improve the employee experience.

Your responses are completely confidential, so you can feel comfortable speaking candidly.

We’re aiming for a 66% response rate, and your participation is essential. Your feedback helps shape meaningful improvements and ensures every voice is heard.

On May 5, please open the survey invitation from UC Davis and Press Ganey and let us know how we can continue making UC Davis and UC Davis Health even better places to work.

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience.

Gary S. May
Chancellor
UC Davis

Learn more at hr.ucdavis.edu/experience, including survey questions and updates based on past feedback.

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