The Working at Iowa survey is a biennial initiative conducted by the University of Iowa to gather valuable feedback from faculty and staff about their work experiences. This survey is a crucial tool for understanding employee engagement, satisfaction, and areas for improvement within the university.

Our employees' voices matter, and by participating, they contribute to making Iowa a place where all faculty, staff, and students feel valued, supported, and engaged.

Why it matters

• Employee voice: The survey provides a platform for employees to share their honest thoughts and opinions, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. This feedback is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
   
• Strategic success: Engaged employees are key to the university's success. By participating in the survey, employees contribute to the university's mission and help demonstrate core values such as creativity, community, excellence, inclusion, and integrity.
   
• Workplace improvement: The insights gained from the survey help identify strengths and areas for growth. This allows the university to implement changes that enhance the work environment, promote belonging, and support the success of individuals and teams.

Survey process

• Participation: All eligible faculty and staff receive a personalized link to complete the survey. Participation is encouraged as it directly impacts the university's efforts to improve the workplace.
   
• Confidentiality: Responses are confidential, ensuring that employees can provide candid feedback without concern.
   
• Results and action: Survey results are analyzed and shared with the campus community. Unit-specific reports are also created for each college and division. These results inform action plans at the local level, driving initiatives that address needs and opportunities.

Measuring engagement

• The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) highlights employee engagement and belonging as key factors in hiring and retention.
   
• Gallop reports that 32% of American workers are engaged in their jobs, 51% are "just showing up," and 17% are "actively disengaged."

Measuring employee engagement and belonging through the Working at Iowa survey helps the institution understand what's going well and where improvements can be made.

In this presentation, Eaan Crawford, associate professor of management and organizations at the Tippie College of Business, describes how understanding and fostering engagement advances organizational goals.