Michigan State University
PA-13: Assessing Employee Satisfaction

Individual units and divisions conduct their own climate and employee satisfaction surveys to better inform their policies and procedures as well as identifying new goals for the unit. A total of 4,939 employees were included in these assessments during the reporting period from the following units: Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF, 1,350 employees), Student Life and Engagement (formerly RHS - Residential and Hospitality Services, 2,279 employees), and the College of Natural Science (771 employees). This represents 36% of the 12,373 employees at MSU.

The SLE/RHS work environment survey is designed to ensure a confidential, positive work environment for all team members and assess job satisfaction. It is conducted annually and emailed to all full-time, temp and part-time employees. For the 2019-2020 year, the survey was distributed to 2,700 participants with a response rate of 22%. The results are presented to the Divisional leadership to identify potential concerns needing further investigation. At that point, the units decide on next steps.

IPF conducts its engagement and employees satisfaction survey in October of every year, working with the Office for Survey Research. Results, including data and comments, are received in December. The results are rolled out and discussed with business leaders explaining the results, themes, and actions that IPF intends to take. The results and actions are posted to the HUB (intranet) immediately following and an email is sent to all staff with expectations. Employees are invited to a meeting with their lead or supervisor where they can discuss results by stack/area, come up with action plans, and report back to the IPF Chief of Staff and Executive Leadership Team. Everyone has a chance to review, make suggestions and comment on the process and results by February.

The MSU College of Natural Science conducted an Organizational Climate Survey in Spring 2019 to gauge the current college climate on work and learning environments. The survey, conducted by MSU’s Office for Survey Research, was sent to 13,682 members of the college, including faculty, specialists, staff, postdocs, graduate students, undergraduates and coordinate majors in Lyman Briggs College (771 employees total). The survey assessed general job satisfaction and comfort levels; feelings of belonging, safety, respect and value; the prevalence of harmful, inappropriate or uncivil behaviors; and incidents of sexual harassment within the college. Respondents were also asked to evaluate the level of diversity within college faculty, staff and students. The results of the survey were reviewed all departments and units within the college to identify areas of improvement and plan actions to address concerns.