Congratulations to the Palatine Library District (which has been selected as the winner for the 2025 Citation for Wellness in the Workplace!
At Palatine Library District, staff wellness is a top priority woven into the fabric of their workplace culture. Over the past several years, they have worked intentionally to foster an environment where staff can care for their mental wellbeing individually and feel supported collectively. From creating a welcoming Wellness Room with tools for stress relief to offering access to a social worker for professional support, they are committed to meeting their staff’s wellness needs in meaningful ways. Regular mental health check ins, annual wellness surveys, and staff education initiatives are key components of this approach.
They back this culture of care with tangible policies that support work life balance, competitive compensation, and flexible schedules. Staff receive increased paid leave, milestone bonuses, and cost of living adjustments, as well as the opportunity to work from home when possible. This past year they implemented a Volunteer Time Off policy which grants paid time off for staff to volunteer. Planned future initiatives include mental health stipends and potential incentives for multilingual staff. Additionally, their staff led Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Wellness Committees, along with monthly feedback opportunities like Director’s Chats and LEGOs With Leadership, ensure that employee voices guide their ongoing progress. Together, they are building a workplace where well being is not just encouraged, it is embedded in everything they do.
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Aja Bettencourt-McCarthy
Librarian
University of Cincinnati Main Campus - Cincinnati, OH
She/Her/Hers
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