Many staff at The University of Queensland are proud of their place of work, believe in UQ, feel safe there and enjoy teamwork with their colleagues, new survey results show.
UQ people also tend to enjoy their work, feel that research is valued in their unit, and believe that the University prevents sexual harassment and discrimination.
These are among the findings of a recent survey that was offered online to all 6675 permanent UQ employees.
All answers were anonymous, and were analysed by Voice Project, a company based at Macquarie University that has conducted similar research for 17 other Australian universities and more than 2000 other employers.
UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, said UQ conducted the survey for the first time in August and September and more than 3000 people - 46 percent of the workforce - responded.
“Senior management wanted a clearer understanding of what the workforce honestly thinks about working here, so all staff had the opportunity confidentially to answer questions, including approximately 120 agree/disagree queries and two open-ended questions.
“I am delighted with the positive feedback from many staff, including their high degrees of loyalty to both the University and to their colleagues. Many people are extremely committed to their UQ careers, and admire other UQ people,” he said.
Comparisons with the group of 17 universities show UQ above or at the benchmark in most areas, notably confidence in workplace health and safety, staff’s belief that the University succeeds, and employees’ pride in telling people where they work.
“Areas needing improvement are similar to those of other universities, but this does not make our performances in these areas acceptable,” Professor Greenfield said.
“Staff have been critical of leadership shown by senior management, and of communication and effective interaction throughout the University.
“These are priorities for improvement, and will be the focus of a response and implementation plan to be developed in coming months.
“Thanks to the 3000-plus staff who participated in the survey, we will know where to focus our attention, and will be able to rate the effectiveness of our responses,” Professor Greenfield said.
The University intends to hold a follow-up survey in three years.
Media contact: Fiona Kennedy 3365 1384 / 0413 380 012
