Scouring the internet, you’re likely to come up with many definitions of employee engagement – some more colorful than others. So what exactly is employee engagement? Perhaps a more insightful definition is essentially “the extent to which employees feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to the organization, and put discretionary effort into their work.” Ever since Gallup reported the percentage of engaged workers in the U.S. was a lackluster 26% in 2000, and has only increased to about 34% since, organizations have been putting in the effort to increase this number.
Our UNC System is one of them. In 2018, the UNC System Employee Engagement Survey was launched and distributed systemwide, with NC State exhibiting a high participation rate. With limited useful information about how faculty and staff feel about their workplace, the survey was launched with the intention to identify areas of strengths and opportunities for improvement at each UNC System institution. Feedback from the previous survey was used to create focus groups, upgrade equipment, facilities and technology, provide new professional development opportunities, improve recruitment and retention efforts, enhance communication channels, and introduce new initiatives to create a more welcoming, inclusive workplace. It also supported key policy changes, including the introduction of paid parental leave.
It’s time again to provide your feedback! From February 4-18, NC State faculty and staff will have the opportunity to participate in the 2020 UNC Systems Employee Engagement Survey. Although voluntary, completion of the survey is highly encouraged, and all responses are confidential. Employees may complete the survey during working hours and it is not required that you use lunchtime, break time or leave time. Surveys should only take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Be on the lookout for the survey (administered by ModernThink) in your inbox on Tuesday, February 4. Don’t miss this opportunity to voice your opinion!
Supervisors are encouraged to not only participate in the survey but communicate the importance of the survey to your staff. Did you know that as a direct supervisor, you have the greatest impact on your employees’ engagement with their position? Gallup reports that there is a strong connection between engagement and hardcore business results. In their study, they found that when employees are engaged at work there is 41% less absenteeism, 70% fewer safety incidents, 59% less turnover, 10% higher customer metrics and 17% higher productivity. These quantifiable outcomes of being a manager that engages your employees have a direct effect on the success of not only your department but the college and university as a whole. The culture we create matters.
Please use this two-week window to encourage all in our community to participate in this important survey.
For more information about the survey, including FAQs, please visit: https://hr.ncsu.edu/employee-engagement-survey/
If you have any questions, the CALS HR Team is here to help.