Quality of Worklife: History

The University of Pennsylvania is interested in maintaining its status as a premier educational and research institution and a best employer. Penn’s Quality of Worklife (QOWL) initiative was introduced in 1995 to support the University's goals for excellence and to enhance faculty and staff opportunities for a constructive, productive, and positive work experience.

Quality of Worklife programs have become important in the workplace for the following reasons:

• Increased women in the workforce
• Increased male involvement in dependent care (child and elder) activities
• Increased responsibility for elders
• Increased demands at work
• Loss of long term employment guarantees
• The need for enhanced workplace skills
• Increased competition for the best students and talent for education and research environments
• Greater competition for talent

QOWL programs have been found to:

• Improve workplace morale
• Encourage employee commitment
• Support recruitment
• Encourage retention
• Enhance productivity
• Reduce absenteeism; and
• Maximize staff resources

The programs, policies and services offered through QOWL Programs:

1. Support faculty and staff efforts to manage the competing demands of work and personal life,
2. Support health promotion and wellness, and
3. Express appreciation for faculty and staff contribution to the University, highlight outstanding individual contributions, and recognize long term commitment.