Workplace Experiences Survey 2009 Results

In February 2009, UBC held its first Workplace Experiences Survey. The university-wide survey was an opportunity for staff and faculty to provide feedback about working, researching and teaching at UBC. The survey findings are critical in creating a blueprint for the future of our workplace practices.

Workplace Experiences Survey Summary

More than 2,700 faculty and staff responded to UBC’s first Workplace Experiences Survey. Seventy-seven per cent of the responses came from staff, while 22% of the responses came from faculty. The survey was designed to measure the workplace experiences of those who work at the university.

Highlights

Overall Job Satisfaction at UBC:

• 88% of UBC employees believe they are treated with respect by their colleagues, while 78% view favorably the teamwork and cooperation within their unit.
• 22% of the UBC workforce finds that work doesn’t allow them to achieve an acceptable balance between their work life and their personal life.
• 77% of employees would recommend UBC to prospective students.
• 45% of survey respondents believe they have sufficient opportunity for advancement at UBC. 40% believe that promotions, transfers and appointments are made fairly at UBC.
• 68% believe that the benefits offered by UBC are as good or better than benefits offered by other institutions.
• 91% of respondents feel that their interactions with students are generally positive.
• When it comes to equity issues, 81% of respondents either disagree or strongly disagree that they feel “left out” in their work unit due to gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religious affiliation, disability and/or sexual orientation.
• 64% of faculty respondents are satisfied with the number of courses they teach. However, 37% are not satisfied with the opportunities they have for research, with 32% believing that the criteria for tenure and/or promotion is not clearly communicated.

View the complete summary report: 2009 Workplace Experiences Survey Summary [pdf].

View the Powerpoint slides that were presented at the Focus on People Town Hall in June 2009: Workplace Experience Survey Results Presentation 2009 [pdf].

Note: As this was UBC’s first Workplace Experience Survey, we do not have comparative numbers. We will use these survey results as a benchmark when we hold our next Workplace Experience Survey in 2011.

For more information about Workplace Experiences Survey, protocols and confidentiality guidelines, please contact Peter Godman at 604-822-8115.