Employee Growth

A beneficial and effective employee growth system creates a pathway from identifying opportunities, to engaging in development, receiving feedback on success or performance toward advancement efforts, and celebrating successes.

While most opportunities for learning and feedback can be informal, impromptu, and on-the-spot, planned development and structured feedback is also important. As professionals, when employees regularly communicate and receive feedback on the quality and quantity of work, they are more able to make informed decisions and judgments in their current position while looking forward and feeling prepared for advancement opportunities that may present themselves. This can take place as vertical and/or lateral promotion, course feedback surveys, alumni surveys, and employee feedback.

Research has shown that employees value receiving recognition for contributions and efforts and performing work that is important and meaningful. To be effective, this cycle cannot just be an annual event.

At PSU one of our Values is to foster a climate of mutual respect that supports diversity, 
different beliefs and points of view and the open exchange of ideas

Communication & Problem Solving

We understand that conflict is a normal and healthy part of working together. Some of our best ideas come from healthy conflict and debate. Occasionally, issues may arise within the workplace that require more than a brief conversation. At PSU one of our values is to foster a climate of mutual respect that supports diversity, different beliefs and points of view, and the open exchange of ideas. In circumstances where conflicts arise, this value, combined with PSU's Professional Standards of Conduct Policy, provide guidance on how to problem-solve with others.

While it is important to keep an open line of communication with your supervisor, if your concern relates to her/him/them and you feel uncomfortable or unequipped in speaking with them, there are resources to help.

If your concerns are due to unlawful harassment or discrimination, which is expressly prohibited under our Professional Standards of Conduct Policy and Sexual Harassment Policy, refer to the HR Document Library for a full list of PSU policies.

PSU’s Office of Human Resources is here to help you solve problems and work out the best way to assist with communications with both your supervisor and fellow employees. Below are some links to lead you to the specific resource you need:

Office of Human Resources

Contact askhrc@pdx.edu

Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity (AA/EO)

Office of Global Diversity & Inclusion-Global Diversity and Inclusion

Offers support, information and advice to the Portland State community on how to work to make our campus a welcoming place for everyone.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Provides access for benefits-eligible employees to trained counselors to aid in problem-solving, whether issues are at work or outside of work.

Employee Unions

Employees in a represented position may also access assistance through their respective unions. For more information about union rights, visit the Employee Rights area of the Human Resources website 

Additional Tips for Managers

As an Access University, PSU offers employment opportunities for both students and professionals from a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds, and interests,, which serves to broaden the collective perspective of the PSU community.t. Our Professional Standards of Conduct policy outlines the University’s expectations related to how employees interact with one another, while acknowledging that this dynamic work environment encompasses many priorities and programs in teaching and research, which may therefore create barriers to effective communication.

During times of high stress, such as organizational change or certain periods of the academic cycle, legitimate conflicts, disagreements and performance concerns may arise.. PSU is committed to open discussions conducted in a respectful and productive manner to support the success of PSU and our employees. We are guided in these interactions by our values, Professional Standards of Conduct, employee performance evaluation standards, collective bargaining agreements, and specific guidelines and expectations established within each department.

When experiencing workplace conflict or performance concerns, PSU encourages direct communication as the first step to addressing these issues,. and believes this approach is likely to enhance understanding and create the best opportunity for resolution. If needing guidance or coaching to prepare for a conversation, the staff in Human Resources is available to provide assistance.

To schedule an appointment or speak with an Employee Relations representative, call the front desk staff at 503-725-4926 to be directed to an appropriate HR staff member.

If your concerns are related to what you consider to be a potentially unlawful behavior related to sexual harassment or discrimination, our Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Office is available to help. Other departments that offer assistance in resolving workplace concerns are:

Office of the President's Diversity Action Council

Provides a resource for recruiting and retaining staff diversity as well as learning and facilitation around differences.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Provides access for benefits-eligible employees to trained counselors to aid in problem-solving, whether issues are at work or outside of work.

The C.A.R.E. Team

Assists students exhibiting distressed or disruptive behaviors, or experiencing trauma. If concerned about a student's well being, file a report or contact a representative at (503) 725-4422.