Susan HickmanAfter presenting
Vision 2010 last year, the University of Ottawa is now asking its academic and support staff to rate their work environment and how committed they are to working for the University.
During the last week of September, all staff — full-time, part-time and term — will have the opportunity to complete the first annual web-based confidential work climate survey. The survey will tell senior management how staff view their jobs and roles at the University.
The University initiated the
Vision 2010 strategic planning exercise two years ago to define its vision, directions and objectives. The commitment of teaching and support staff is a key part of the plan.
Last year, it introduced the “scorecard” to translate
Vision 2010 into clear and measurable elements and identify institution-wide improvements, including targets in academic excellence, resources and employee quality and commitment.
The private firm, Mercer Human Resources Consulting, will tabulate and analyze the survey results over the next few months and work with the University to establish a “work climate index,” one of the scorecard key indicators, which will gauge employee commitment and satisfaction.
“The survey will encourage and promote an ongoing dialogue between employees and management and determine the key performance drivers that will help establish the work climate index,” says Nancy Lalonde, director of organizational development service.
The work climate index is one of 19 indicators on the University’s scorecard, a series of improvement targets and guides against which it can measure itself over the next few years to assure success.
“The climate survey will provide a solid base of information that allows leaders to develop action plans that will bring about positive changes in our working environment. Meeting the needs of staff will help us achieve broader objectives related to academic excellence and the overall quality of service to students and to the community,” continues Lalonde.
Lalonde points to the importance of recognizing the changing needs and changing demographics of any organization and determining performance indicators that drive employees to be engaged and committed.
The survey asks everyone to voice their opinions about their jobs, how they feel they are linked to the University’s mission and whether they feel they are treated fairly. Employees are also asked to respond to questions about the University’s mandate to promote bilingualism and the French culture in the province.
There are two slightly different surveys, one for support staff and one for academic staff, with a few questions of specific relevance to each group.
Senior leaders will not only develop an action plan based on employee opinion, but they will also continue to foster ongoing communication with employees about their work climates.
Says President Gilles Patry, “The University is committed to open and ongoing dialogue with all employees and to acting on the results of this important initiative. So, let’s talk — your input matters to us.”
Related link:2006 Work Climate Survey
