Workplace Experiences Survey

In November, 2011, UBC held its second Workplace Experiences Survey, an opportunity for staff and faculty to share what you think about working at UBC. We are taking a detailed look at how to use the survey results to help shape the next version of Focus on People, to be launched in 2013.

Click to download the full Workplace Experiences Survey infographic (pdf)

Watch the Vancouver Town Hall Presentation (March 6, 2012)

View the Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
Presentation by Alex Bayne (UBC Human Resources) and Trevor Clarke (Ipsos Reid)

2011 Workplace Experiences Survey Results

Over 3,600 people responded to the Workplace Experience Survey, 27% of eligible UBC faculty and staff.

[Read more about the Survey response rate]

You told us that there are areas in which the university is doing well, and also that there are some areas where we have the opportunity for improvement.

Employees are generally satisfied with their work at UBC, with 64% stating that they are satisfied with their current role at UBC.

We see that there is a strong sense of institutional pride from employees, with 70% of respondents say that they are proud to work for UBC. 74% would recommend UBC to prospective students.

However, less than half of you believe you can meet your career objectives at UBC.

When our survey partner, Ipsos Reid, looked at the data, several key themes emerged from what you told us.

Areas where the university is doing well

• Good relationships with your head/manager (77% agree)
• Good teamwork and collaboration at the unit level (75% agree)
• People feel included and respected in the workplace (86% agree)

Areas where we have the opportunity for improvement

• You want us to help you reach your full potential through career navigation at UBC.
• Begin a conversation about how to improve two-way communication between the unit level and senior leadership.
• You feel there is an opportunity for improvement in areas impacting UBC’s attraction and retention, your health and wellness, and your workload.

[Read more about the survey results]

Next Steps

Based on what you told us, the University will move forward with a few short-term actions, specifically:

• Improve career navigation at UBC by providing tools and resources including providing self-service access to professional development funds for staff.
• Launch an online recruiting system for faculty, and new tools to support units in their recruitment needs.
• Work to improve internal communication across UBC.
• Develop a health and well-being resource plan for faculty.
• Provide support to the tenure and promotion process at the Okanagan campus.

At the same time, we will take a detailed look at how to use the survey results to help shape the next version of Focus on People, to be launched in 2013. Ongoing updates will be available on the Focus on People site.