For the second year in a row, New Mexico State University has received a platinum-level Family Friendly Business Award, the highest level given. This award recognizes NMSU as a distinguished leader in adopting family-friendly workplace policies across campus.
NMSU was recognized by Family Friendly New Mexico, an initiative which offers training, support and resources to businesses as a way to aid in the implementation of family-friendly policies in the workplace.
“Administering policies that support our employees personally and professionally enhances the employee experience and engagement,” said Gena Jones, assistant vice president for Human Resources. “Employees who feel supported and offered a comprehensive benefit plan as that offered by NMSU, are more engaged in their work and enthusiastically give their best on the job.”
Family-friendly practices implemented across NMSU include allowing eligible employees to accrue 21 days per fiscal year of annual leave, while in regular or term positions and paid sick leave. In addition, employees have access to the Aggie Health and Wellness Center.
One of the most valuable benefits, according to Jones, is the Educational Assistance program which is made available to employees and qualifying family members. Lastly in 2021, NMSU hired its first Vice President of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, Linda Scholz.
NMSU policies have a positive influence and aid in reaching the university’s LEADS 2025 goals, Jones said. Policies implemented have been an important aspect in reaching Goal 4: to build a robust university through three objectives: advance equity, inclusion and diversity on campus and effectively support students and staff; cultivate faculty and staff excellence, enhance productivity and improve the work climate; and to respond to a dynamic higher education environment, optimizing systems, processes and space utilization.
In addition to the platinum-level awards in 2021 and 2020, NMSU received gold-level status in 2019.
To learn more about the Family Friendly New Mexico initiative, visit https://nmfamilyfriendlybusiness.org.