Staff Survey 2008

Staff Survey 2008 Results (pdf)

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to report the overall results of the 2008 Staff Survey are very positive. The majority of respondents report they would recommend employment at the College to others (94%) and that they are satisfied with their job (87%). While that is gratifying, the survey also helped us gain insight and clarity on the areas where we need to improve. You may see the results via the link at the top of this page.

The report was prepared by the outside firm, Resource Systems Group, which administered the survey.

The survey had a response rate of 51% (1,742 out of 3,399 staff who were sent the survey). While women responded at a slightly higher rate than men, the survey respondents were generally representative of the staff population. Other highlights include:

93% say that they are satisfied with the nature of their work.
90% say that they expect to continue working at Dartmouth for at least the next 12 months.
89% say that they are satisfied with the benefits.

Following the McKinsey & Company study and staff survey in 2006, efforts were made to improve administrative support in human resources, institutional diversity and equity as well as communications to all employees. The survey results indicate that the following areas have gotten better, not worse, since 2006:

Frequency and clarity of communications
Clarity of Dartmouth mission and priorities
Information about internal job openings
Options for conflict resolution
Welcoming efforts for new employees
Opportunities and support for staff professional development
Commitment to diversity and inclusion

For more information on the administrative improvements, see this recent Vox article.

On the flip side, the survey told us that:

Half of the responses say that the pace of change and decision-making is too slow.
There is a need for more clarity around priorities.
More needs to be done to build unity among our employees.
Confidence in leaders could be improved. (Responses and comments called for more interaction, effective communication, and feedback.)
Respondents are concerned about wages. They want opportunities to advance, and more recognition for good work.

Survey results have been reviewed with divisional leaders (VPs or Deans of each school or division) who recently participated in a half-day retreat with President Wright to plan for addressing areas where we need to improve. Division leaders will also share the results with colleagues in their areas to make improvements and capitalize on areas of strength. President Wright has also charged a working group to support their efforts and follow the progress of the actions around the survey results.

I would like to thank those of you who participated in the survey. The data provide us with important information about your experience as a Dartmouth employee and a member of our community. The commitment to asking for feedback and acting upon it stems from Dartmouth's core values of collaboration, diversity, responsibility for one another, integrity, and mutual respect. The survey is a benchmark for measuring our progress and we will plan to repeat it in two years. Dartmouth's strength derives in large part from its people. Thank you for all you do to make the College an extraordinary place for our students, faculty, and each another.

Regards,
Traci K. Nordberg
Chief Human Resources Officer