Harvard is commissioning its first-ever University-wide staff survey. Called "What's Your Harvard Like? The Harvard 2006 Staff Survey," the survey will gather employees' perceptions and opinions about working at Harvard. The web-based form will be available online starting on March 17 and lasting through March 31. A paper version will also be available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese at the HSPH Human Resources Office, Kresge 505.
"Four years ago, we initiated a dialogue with HSPH employees when the School conducted the Great Place to Work survey. This effort has cultivated communication between administration and employees and has launched numerous efforts for School community-building, such as the annual State of the School Address and the GPTW Recognition Award," said HSPH Dean Barry R. Bloom. "With this new survey conducted by Hewitt Associates, we look forward to building on those efforts, benchmarking our progress while identifying areas for improvement. We encourage all employees to provide their feedback."
Individual participants cannot be identified in any way. Results will be sent directly to Hewitt Associates, the outside firm conducting the survey for Harvard. The survey is expected to take less than 20 minutes, and staff members will be given paid time during their regular workday for its completion. All members of Harvard's non-temporary staff will be asked to participate.
"This survey is an important first step in enhancing employee engagement-the process of reaching out to employees to get input will enable us to identify potential issues and develop strategies for improving the climate for all employees," said President Lawrence Summers.
Organizing efforts at HSPH are Carolyn Everette, Associate Dean for Human Resources; Patricia Edwards, Associate Director of Human Resources; and Audrey Smith, Special Assistant in the Office of the Dean. To get the word out, they will be joined by volunteers and by members of the GPTW Committee, Department Administrative Leadership Council, and Joint Council.
Prizes will be awarded to HSPH departments who reach pre-set goals for participation. The University hopes to gain 60 percent employee participation. HSPH has set an even more ambitious goal of 75 percent.
The survey's theme is centered on "Say, Stay, and Strive": that is, whether employees say positive things about working here, whether they intend to stay, and how much they are willing to contribute "above and beyond the call of duty."
Dissemination of results will begin with the July issue of the Resource newsletter from the University's Human Resources Department, and follow-up actions will be posted on HARVie. HSPH will also inform the School community of results.
More information about "What's Your Harvard Like? The Harvard 2006 Staff Survey" will be sent to HSPH employees through upcoming emails, the School's home page, the HR Scoop, and departmental administrators and managers. Employees are also welcome to contact the HSPH Human Resources Department through their contact page or at 617-432-1046.
Copyright, 2009, President and Fellows of Harvard College
