In this powerful first episode of the Workplace Violence Prevention Podcast, host Kimberly McLennan and guest therapist Elizabeth Sheesley reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month and the emotional realities of workplace violence in healthcare. Through the lens of a tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital, they explore the mental health toll on caregivers, the stigma surrounding trauma in the workplace, and the urgent need for trauma-informed systems. The conversation includes prevention tips, support resources, and practical strategies for healing and resilience—both for individuals and organizations.
Beginning May 20, staff from UC Davis and UC Davis Health completed a three-day Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training to enhance their ability to respond to workplace crises with empathy, effectiveness, and resilience—reinforcing the university’s commitment to safety and mental wellbeing across its communities.
In recent weeks, online attackers have increasingly targeted UC staff with attempts to steal from them by changing their direct deposit information in UCPath.
Dozens of UC employees have fallen victim to these attacks, which use very sophisticated tactics, including stealing usernames and passwords via credible-looking phony websites and spoofing help desks via phone calls and text messages. The UC community needs to be vigilant and work together to defend against these types of threat actors.
While we’ve seen strong participation in the 2025 Employee Experience Survey so far, we are extending the survey deadline by two additional weeks—through June 2.
Adam Burkholder, Director of Workplace Violence Prevention at UC Davis, plays a pivotal role in enhancing campus and health safety through strategic leadership. His efforts focus on promoting situational awareness, encouraging proactive reporting, and building a supportive culture where prevention and early intervention are prioritized. Under his guidance, UC Davis continues to strengthen its commitment to protecting staff, students, and the broader community.
The Workplace Violence Prevention team brought both insight and positivity to all five Thank Goodness for Staff events, engaging attendees with resources, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of community.
In a recent presentation, three UC Health women’s health experts offered valuable guidance and insights for living a life of health, regardless of age or life stage. The physician experts focused on integrative (holistic) health, nutrition, and prevention and lifestyle.
The Employee Experience Network is here to work alongside the Employee Experience Advisory Committees from both the Davis campus and UC Davis Health to communicate changes at the local level, where we can all make the most difference.
When you think about what makes UC Davis and UC Davis Health truly special, it’s not just the groundbreaking research or world-class care. It's the people—the ones who show up, dig deep, and quietly move mountains every single day.
On April 22, ten of these incredible staff members were honored at the 2025 Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Awards ceremony—a warm, spirited evening hosted at Chancellor Gary May’s residence.
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.
Rounding with the BEST team, at the hospital, for Workplace Violence Awareness Month, became a powerful reminder of the unseen strength and compassion that healthcare workers carry every day. From overwhelmed patients to a calm, commanding leader navigating crisis in real time, each moment revealed the emotional complexity behind hospital walls. This experience offered a humbling walk-in others’ shoes—some worn thin, but all filled with courage, purpose, and deep humanity.
July 1st is a popular retirement date for many. If you are planning to retire soon or want to start planning for your retirement, here are some helpful resources:
Join a Preparing for Retirement Help Desk or General Benefits Office Hours via Zoom to ask your benefits and retirement questions in real-time.
April marks Workplace Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing, preventing, and responding to workplace violence to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all employees. At UC Davis, we are committed to fostering a culture of safety and resilience. Throughout the month, we will be offering several opportunities for staff to engage in training, education, and discussions on workplace violence prevention.
