Naming the Work: Making Invisible Labor Visible (and Sustainable)

Presenter: Kristina Soriano

Session Description: 

Much of what keeps large, mission-driven institutions functioning well is work that is rarely named, formally recognized, or rewarded: emotional labor, relational maintenance, anticipatory problem-solving, institutional memory, and behind-the-scenes coordination.

This session explores how “invisible labor” shows up across UC staff roles and why it disproportionately falls on certain individuals, particularly women, caregivers, staff of color, and those in support or hybrid roles. Rather than framing this challenge as a personal boundary issue or a productivity gap, the session examines invisible labor as a systemic pattern embedded in how organizations operate.

Participants will be guided through practical ways to identify and articulate invisible labor in their own roles, develop clear and non-defensive language to describe contributions and scope of work, and discern which forms of invisible labor are meaningful to continue—and which require structure, redistribution, or limits in order to remain sustainable.

The session combines brief case examples drawn from real institutional contexts, reflective prompts, and interactive chat-based engagement to help participants translate insight into action. Emphasis is placed on clarity, shared responsibility, and stewardship—supporting staff in exploring their potential while contributing to healthier, more sustainable institutional futures.

This workshop aligns with the conference theme, Explore Your Potential, Empower Our Future, by equipping UC staff with practical tools to name their contributions, work with integrity, and support both personal well-being and the long-term vitality of the university.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify common forms of invisible labor and how they show up across institutional roles,

  • Use clear, values-aligned language to name contributions and scope of work without defensiveness, and

  • Apply at least one practical strategy to make invisible labor more visible and sustainable within your role or team.

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