E-Insight

December 2005

Survey Shows Majority of CVMBS State Classified Employees Satisfied with Jobs

Forty-six percent of the College's state classified workforce responded to an employee survey conducted in September and the majority were satisfied with their current positions and received personal satisfaction from what they do for the College. An overall mean score of 5 (out of 7 possible) was associated with the College's employees' employment experience.

Communications overall were strong within the College in all areas surveyed (employee/supervisor; Dean's office/employee; Department/employee), but the College continues to address concerns associated with employees feeling overworked and constrained by available work space. Job classification issues were of minimal concern, with very few respondents feeling the need for PDQ or job evaluation training, and most feeling they were properly classified.

Recommendations made by the College's Assistant to the Dean for Human Resources, Mary Ann Valdez, incorporated solutions to many of the issues identified in this survey. Specific suggestions for improvement include measures to:

1. Provide professional development opportunities specifically in the areas of:

• Communication Skills
• Computer Skills
• Stress Management
• Supervisory Training - REQUIRED for all new supervisors

2. Develop a process by which state classified employees can "apply" to telecommute for a predetermined period of time, using the State of Colorado 's Flexplace Guidelines as a resource in establishing goals and objectives for this initiative.

3. Emphasize and remind state classified employees that their participation in the evaluation of supervisors/faculty/administrators is encouraged. Set up a process to remind employees to submit information during appropriate times throughout various review cycles.

4. Ensure department head/director support for efforts within designated areas to strengthen employee morale to include:

• Support for the use of free credits for employees. Allow for flexible schedules during the work day to accommodate these classes.
• Support and encourage the use of the Employee Assistance Program when necessary/applicable.
• Provision of an annual staff retreat or other a mechanism to bring state classified individuals together to foster goodwill.
• Encouragement of supervisors to recognize positive efforts made by individuals.

The College wants to thank everyone who participated in this survey. Full results can be found at: www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/survey/scsurvey.pdf.If you are outside of the campus network, you will be prompted for your login information. Remember to use COLOSTATE\"Your EID."