Blog

As part of our “What Your Colleagues Want You to Know” series, we asked members under 30 what they want coworkers to know about their day-to-day reality at work—because the assumptions we carry about our own generation and others can quietly shape our workplace culture. 

Consider how these perspectives might shape your interactions—not just with younger colleagues, but with everyone you work with. Sometimes, understanding one generation better helps us build a more inclusive and empathetic workplace for all.

As part of our “What Your Colleagues Want You to Know” series, we asked members who are caregivers—whether for children, parents, or someone else—what they want coworkers to know about their day-to-day reality and how we can help. Members described their experiences of emotional and physical exhaustion, being misunderstood by colleagues, and feelings of isolation and overwhelm. They’re looking for a supportive work environment that acknowledges their challenges, offers grace and understanding, and provides practical support such as hybrid work options.

We heard from staff with a wide range of chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, neurotypes, and mental health struggles for our second post in this series featuring members’ own experiences and words.

The Staff Association membership is incredibly diverse. We encompass a wide range of roles, backgrounds, lived experiences, and so much more. Our mission at the UWSA is to cultivate a progressive work environment where staff feel safe, empowered to grow, and able to thrive, but we need different things to make this a reality.

To help us all understand each other better, we’re launching a new blog and social media series featuring members’ own experiences and words. We’re kicking it off with contract staff, who make up 18% of the UWSA.