HR liaison honored
Library's Joyce Harms is selected Human Resources Liaison of the Quarter
8:22 a.m., Oct. 19, 2015--Joyce Harms, administrative assistant in administrative services at the Morris Library, has been named the University of Delaware’s Human Resources Liaison of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2015.
The award identifies and recognizes an outstanding performer within the HR liaison community for the preceding quarter.
FYI Stories
June 6: UDid It! Picnic
2FA protects you
Julie Brewer, librarian and manager, Library Human Resources and Administrative Services, noted that Harms assists a large work group with HR support functions in the library.
“Her friendly service orientation contributes to positive solutions,” Brewer said. “Joyce gives each concern her complete attention and keeps employees and supervisors informed of the status of pending HR actions.”
Valerie Jones, library assistant, Multimedia Collections and Services, said that in addition to being professional and courteous, Harms also is the embodiment of customer service and efficiency.
“I supervise up to 15 students, and Joyce is wonderful at keeping me informed as to where my new students are in the system, and at keeping the payroll straight,” Jones said. “She is always ready to answer any questions I have.”
Paul Anderson, associate librarian for administrative services, said that in less than a year and a half, Harms has assumed responsibility for most of the processing related to the library’s human resource management.
“Perhaps most notable is the way in which Joyce carries out her job, where she always demonstrates a positive approach to solving problems,” Anderson said. “Her work contributes to the confidence and satisfaction that staff have with the HR systems that are such a part of work life in a complex organization.”
Kathi Callahan, administrative assistant in the Department of Physical Therapy and former administrative assistant in Library Administrative Services, lauded Harms as a team player and motivator.
“Not often will you come across an employee that brightens her co-workers’ day, each and every day in so many different ways,” Callahan said. “It was such a privilege to work with someone that has such a strong work ethic, a passion for her job and a caring attitude towards her coworkers.”
Kaylee Olney noted that the University Library and the Department of English share many undergraduate student workers and graduate assistantships, and that Harms helps with payroll issues and HR related issues regarding these students.
“Joyce is diligent in processing the payroll forms to make sure that all students are paid correctly and promptly,” Olney said. “She is a pleasure to work with and knows the HR policies inside and out.”
Harms said that her job responsibilities include processing personnel actions for exempt, non-exempt and miscellaneous wage employees, including new hires, transfers, promotions and family/medical leaves, separations, overtime pay, pay reductions and graduate student payroll.
“I enjoy helping student assistants and library staff in any way that I can,” Harms said. “I also love being a part of the University HR liaison team.”
Harms described her HR liaison recognition as being a pleasant surprise.
“I am so honored to have been nominated and awarded the HR Liaison of the Quarter,” Harms said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized and appreciated for the work I do for the University.”
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photo by Evan Krape