Five pledges put Bristol University on the path to positivity : … and an international prize for performance management

Purpose – Details the origins and content of the University of Bristol's award‐winning positive working environment (PWE) agenda. Design/methodology/approach – Describes the weaknesses highlighted in a detailed staff survey by The Work Foundation, and how these gave rise to the five principal commitments at the heart of the PWE agenda. Findings – Details the actions the university has taken to improve staff support and development, leadership and management, communication and the physical environment, and describes how these actions are monitored and evaluated. Practical implications – Reveals how the PWE initiative aims to make work life at the university more productive, rewarding, enjoyable and healthy. Social implications – Places the university at the forefront of the quest to balance work and private life, and so produce citizens with the time and energy to contribute to society not only through good performance at work but also through volunteering and other initiatives. Originality/value – Highlights the importance of a warm and friendly organizational climate in which employees feel trusted, valued and respected.