U of A Continues Acting on Feedback From Employee Engagement Survey

The university began its first Employee Engagement Survey in fall 2025 and has progressed into action planning across colleges, schools and administrative units this summer. Since the employee engagement survey results were shared earlier this year, several units have already begun implementing initiatives tied directly to their employee's feedback.

The Graduate School and International Education organized employees into committees focused on three areas identified through survey results: recognition, collaboration and culture. Those groups have launched efforts ranging from peer-recognition initiatives and value-based employee awards to school-wide networking opportunities and new tools designed to improve communication and collaboration across departments.

The Division of Student Affairs focused its efforts on college/unit leadership, collaboration and career advancement and development. Specifically to address employee feedback related to understanding how decisions are made, the division developed a communication framework to accompany major decisions and organizational changes, trained supervisors on how to use the materials with their teams and made resources accessible to employees across the division through an internal website.

Recognition for Employee Listening Efforts

The U of A recently earned the McLean & Company Verified Employee Listening Badge, a recognition that acknowledges organizations committed to understanding and improving the employee experience through meaningful employee engagement efforts. The badge reflects the institution's commitment to listening to employees and acting on their feedback, one of the university's strategic initiatives under the 150 Forward: Employer of Choice Pillar.

"Receiving this recognition reflects the commitment of employees and leaders across campus who participated in the engagement process," said Ashley Ingram, senior HR director for talent development, talent management, engagement and experience. "The survey was never intended to be an end point. Our goal has always been to listen, learn and take meaningful action based on what employees told us about their experience at the university."

The university will continue highlighting examples of action planning and progress throughout the coming academic year as departments and divisions advance their engagement efforts. The next employee engagement survey, planned for spring 2027, will provide an opportunity to measure progress, identify new areas of focus and continue building a workplace where employees can thrive.

Employees can access the university-wide results of the engagement survey on the Human Resources website. Similarly, the Faculty COACHE survey results and actions taken are available on the Faculty Affairs website.