Social safety highlighted in UG Staff Survey

In February, at the request of the Board of the University of Groningen, research agency IVA Onderwijs carried out a staff survey in which special attention was paid to social safety and inclusion. A total of 3302 staff members (59%) completed the questionnaire. The Board would like to thank all respondents for participating. The survey has now been closed and the first results have become available.

Staff members give the UG a score of 7.5.

On 14 March, the first preliminary results were presented to administrators, HR advisors, the members of the University Council, and the Local Consultative Committee (union representatives). The results of the survey are in line with those of other Dutch universities.

In this survey, the Board of the University requested that extra attention be paid to the themes of social safety and inclusion. The first results reveal that staff members give working at the UG a score of 7.5. On average, staff members feel engaged with their work, they feel challenged in a positive way, and they experience a high level of autonomy. In addition, the working environment, support from colleagues, and the work-life balance receive positive scores.  

The survey also shows that there is room for improvement, for example concerning work pressure and a number of social safety aspects. These results form the foundation on which to work on further improvement. A number of social safety aspects have slightly improved, compared to the 2020 Staff Survey. Over the next few weeks, further analysis of the results will point out what causes the differences.

A UG-wide campaign on social safety will soon be launched that aims to contribute to the ongoing conversation about and recognition and prevention of unacceptable behaviour within the UG community. Everyone deserves a safe and inclusive work and study environment. Part of this campaign is to start the conversation about this theme at all faculties and service units, also in light of the results of the Staff Survey. The Board makes agreements with the faculties and service units about the action plan that will be drawn up based on these conversations.  

The further processing of the results of the survey is currently in the final stages. These results will be shared with all UG staff members shortly.