2026 Job Satisfaction Survey Executive Summary

 

As the Council began preparing for this year’s Job Satisfaction Survey, one of the primary decisions made was an intentional delaying of the survey’s launch to allow the campus’ Strategic Plan Refresh to conclude. Through intentional postponement of the Council’s Survey, we sought to align the Survey’s content with the revised Strategic Plan Core Principles and establish a baseline sentiment for staff outlook.

Reviewing the results of this year’s survey, we believe that the data tells a story foremost of success. Over the last year, survey results reveal:

  • 13 of the 16 factors impacting job satisfaction saw growth in aggregate satisfaction rates
  • 14 of the 16 factors impacting job satisfaction have higher aggregate satisfaction rates compared 
    to the 2023 survey
  • Numerous factors exhibit 2- and 3-year positive growth trends:
    • Career Development & Advancement Opportunities (2-year)
    • Office or physical workspace provided on campus (2-year)
    • Salary (2-year)
    • Transparency of decision making and communication from leadership (2-year)
    • University policies, processes, and procedures (3-year)
    • Work/life Balance (3-year)
    • Workload and work distribution (3-year)
    • Workplace environment or culture
  • Psychological Safety and Social Belonging questions, newly refined for this year’s survey, display strong year one metrics, supported by open-ended responses lauding strong, supportive, kind and collaborative local team dynamics
  • 87% of staff respondents report they are Satisfied (70%) or Extremely Satisfied (17%) in their job

Despite these positive outcomes, open-ended response analysis and shifting factor response trends indicate that there is space for improvement in the areas of Compensation & Cost of Living, Culture, Belonging & Community, as well as Leadership Transparency & Decision-Making.  Viewing these challenges through the lens of our Strategic Core Principles of Belonging and Meaningful Work, Organizational Excellence & Innovation, and Learner Success, the Council feels that the slate of challenges presented, as well as communicated Council perspectives, are both timely and directed in 
their approach. 

While presenting results to our campus stakeholders, the Council seeks to inform our partners of areas for improvement and provide directed feedback to guide upcoming initiatives. With the support of leadership, campus HR, and all members of our campus community, we are confident that we can further elevate job satisfaction for staff on this campus, while embodying our People Centered, Adaptable, and Service Minded Values.

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