Website redesign makes human resources information more accessible

All UW–Madison employees — from those who just joined the university to those getting ready to retire — are affected by human resources topics such as pay, health benefits, time off, and saving for the future. A redesign of the UW–Madison Office of Human Resources website is now providing information on these topics and more in a user-friendly format. The site is also responsive for viewing on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.

The redesigned Human Resources website, found at hr.wisc.edu, provides easy ways to navigate to the most commonly sought details about pay, including the annual pay calendar, information about earnings statements, and direct deposit instructions. The benefits section of the website helps employees manage their benefits when they join UW–Madison, if they experience a life event or employment change, and during annual benefits enrollment. Site users can also find information on leave policies, as well as links to details about insurance options and retirement plans.

Employees are encouraged to bookmark the site so they can easily find it when needed.

To identify the best practices in online employee communications and to determine the specific needs of UW–Madison employees, the Office of Human Resources analyzed page visits to its existing site, gathered input from employee focus groups, and reviewed websites from other Big Ten universities and peer institutions.

“It is very important to be clear, transparent, and accessible in our communications about human resources topics,” says Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Mark Walters. “Human resources information can sometimes seem confusing or complex, and just about everybody has questions on these topics from time to time. We want to serve the needs of all UW–Madison faculty and staff with online resources that answer their key questions and point them in the right direction if they need personal assistance.”

From the homepage of the Human Resources website, employees can also find campus resources such as well-being programs, professional development opportunities, campus communities of practice, and multilingual and multicultural services. These programs enhance the experience of working at UW–Madison by increasing engagement, fostering learning and growth, and creating a more inclusive workplace.

Site users can also choose to explore information that may be relevant to them by visiting landing pages for new employees, current employees or international employees. Those seeking employment opportunities at UW–Madison are sent to the Jobs at UW site at jobs.wisc.edu.

The site encourages employees who have questions to first seek assistance from the human resources contacts in their division, school or college.

Feedback or questions about hr.wisc.edu can be directed to ohrwebmaster@ohr.wisc.edu.