In their latest survey, UAL achieved a 55% participation rate and a 71% engagement rate. The participation rate saw an incredible 266%increase from 2020. Between 2022 and 2023, the university saw a 6% increase in response rates from hourly paid staff alone. Other highlights include a 75% of employees who agreed with the statement “my work gives me a sense of personal achievement”. This demonstrates just how invested employees at UAL are with their work.
Following the survey, a deep-dive analysis was carried out to explore intersectionality data from their staff survey results. These presentations, which covered topics like career development, EDI, learning and development, line management, workload, technicians, parents and carers and disability, helped drive engagement and inform action planning groups. For instance, the EDI presentation identified low scores among disabled respondents in certain colleges and functions, leading to a drive to improve workplace adjustments at both a local and university-wide level.
The relationship with HR business partners was crucial in managing and tracking these actions. The People Department saw real success through the implementation of Focus Friday. This involved a dedicated head-down time on Friday afternoons to reduce meeting fatigue and enable self-development.