Elon University
PA-10: Assessing Employee Satisfaction

Elon University conducts various employee satisfaction assessments throughout the year. Employees with faculty rank are assessed through the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) survey, which gathers faculty perspectives on institutional climate, sources of stress and satisfaction, student interaction and teaching methods. It is conducted every three years, with the most recent administration in 2014. The Staff Advisory Council (established in 2011) conducted a short survey, which was sent to 100% of employees who do not have faculty rank, to establish a more detailed assessment of the experiences of staff employees. The Office of Human Resources sends out an annual survey to all employees in regards to benefits and services rendered by the Office of Human Resources, such as health insurance and the wellness program. In addition, an Exit Questionnaire is provided to employees who are leaving the university. Various departments conduct surveys or ask for feedback to improve services. For example, the Office of Leadership and Professional Development conducts a needs assessment among staff and faculty to determine the services and training employees would like to assist with skill and knowledge development.

Survey results are reviewed by the administering department. Recommendations are made and presented to Senior Staff for consideration. For the HERI survey, recommendations go from the Academic Affairs Advisory Committee to Senior Staff. Recommendations from Staff Advisory Council (SAC) assessments go to Senior Staff through the Chair of the SAC. The results of the SAC survey mentioned above led to the development of a Quality of Life Committee with representatives from across campus. The committee conducted research and focus groups and developed a Quality of Life Action Plan in 2013 with several recommendations (immediate, mid-term and long-term). Implementation of those recommendations continues. Results from HR’s annual survey are used to improve provided services. Exit Questionnaire feedback is collected, analyzed and used in various ways to help improve employees’ experiences, including employee relations issues. Recommendations are taken to Senior Staff by the Senior Vice President for Business, Finance and Technology. Based on feedback from employees and other considerations, the University instituted a three-phased salary plan in December 2013 to increase employee salaries. Also based on employee feedback, starting in January 2015, one day of vacation was added to the accrual periods for regular full-time employees who work 40 hours per week on a 12-month schedule. Regular employees who work 20-39 hours per week on a 12-month schedule generally accrue paid time off on the same basis as full-time employees, with the time pro-rated to the number of hours worked. Also effective in January 2015, the University provides two personal paid days off annually to regular full-time employees who work 40 hours per week on a 12-month schedule.