Rice University is committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment. The 2024 Perch Perspective Staff Satisfaction and Workplace Climate Survey was conducted to gather insights that will guide the university’s efforts in improving employee satisfaction and strengthening Rice’s position as an employer of choice.
Why does staff satisfaction matter?
Staff satisfaction is pivotal to an organization’s success because satisfied employees are more motivated, productive, and committed to their work. When staff members feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay with an organization, reducing turnover and associated costs. Additionally, satisfied employees tend to deliver higher-quality work, contribute to a positive workplace culture, and enhance customer satisfaction, all of which drive the organization toward its goals and long-term success.
Survey Findings
The Perch Perspective Survey was sent to all benefits-eligible staff earlier this year. Yielding a 43% response rate, the survey results provided insights into the key drivers of staff satisfaction.
Staff Satisfaction Results
The majority of staff, 71% to 80%, are satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs, their departments, and Rice. There is more work to be done with compensation as only 38% of staff report being satisfied or very satisfied with their pay.
The following factors were identified as most impactful to employee experience with strong correlations to staff satisfaction with their job, pay, department, and Rice.
- Sense of Belonging: Staff are more likely to be satisfied with Rice if they feel like they belong at Rice.
- University Direction: Staff are more likely to be satisfied with Rice if they agree with the direction the university is headed.
- Department Commitment to Improvement: Staff are more likely to be satisfied with their department if their department is committed to improvement.
- Personal Sense of Accomplishment: Staff who feel a personal sense of accomplishment report higher levels of job satisfaction.
- Employment Decisions: Staff who understand how employment decisions are made are more likely to be satisfied with their pay and benefits.
- Career Advancement: Staff are more likely to stay at Rice if they can see a clear path for career growth.
The data underscores the considerable influence an employee’s supervisor and department can have on their overall experience. Therefore, implementing targeted programs and interventions at the supervisor and department levels will be crucial in shaping a positive work environment. This approach is a key element of our broader strategy to position Rice as an employer of choice.
Ongoing Efforts to Enhance the Employee Experience
Rice recently launched new and enhanced programs aimed at improving employee satisfaction with their jobs, pay, department, and Rice. Programs include:
- Total Rewards Initiative: The university has committed to invest $20M over four years to enhance pay and benefits. Additionally, more job levels were created to support career progression.
- Performance Management: This program improves clarity on performance expectations, aligns team goals with organizational goals, and informs the merit pay increase decisions.
- Employee Resource Groups: This program promotes inclusion and belonging and provides opportunities for networking and professional growth.
Next Steps
The insights gathered from this year’s employee survey will play a critical role in shaping future workplace initiatives, such as the development of new and enhanced university programs, including supervisor and staff training programs. Additionally, HR will share school and division-specific survey results with deans and vice presidents, identifying tailored interventions to improve the employee experience at the departmental level. Updates on these efforts will be forthcoming in the Spring semester, along with additional opportunities for staff to engage and offer input.
As the university continues to shape the future of its workplace, community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas to help guide improvements. They can do so by completing this form. These insights will play a key role in Rice’s ongoing efforts to become an employer of choice.