From raises to benefits to performance appraisals, 1,346 University of Houston staff members voiced their opinion on a range of work-related topics in the first Staff Needs Assessment Survey. According to the survey’s results, respondents overwhelmingly believe that UH is a good place to work.

Eighty-four percent of respondents believe that UH is a good place to develop a career, while 75.9 percent agreed that their contributions to the university are valued. Staff also mentioned how much they enjoyed their jobs and the university’s environment.

“I’m really pleased to see that, overall, staff truly enjoy working here,” said Angie Shortt, president of UH Staff Council, which conducted the survey. “They have good working relationships with their co-workers and supervisors. Although there are several issues we want to improve upon, the fact that staff seem to get satisfaction from working here is a very strong point.”

According to Shortt, the survey was sent to 3,208 benefits-eligible staff in early December in an effort to provide valuable input to UH administration. More than 41 percent of staff completed the survey.
Respondents ranked the university well in such areas as working relationships, workspace and communication; however, they noted their concerns in other areas, including merit raises and promotions within their departments.

Many of the respondents, more than 80 percent, believe UH provides the necessary resources to accomplish their work goals.

More than 96 percent of respondents indicated that they have good working relationships with their peers. Nearly 98 percent of supervisors expressed having good working relationships with their staff, and more than 90 percent stated that they have good working relationships with their supervisors. Yet, almost 64 percent agreed their supervisors could benefit from managerial training.

Staff also noted that many of their supervisors encourage and support continuing education opportunities. Many staff members requested tuition waivers or reimbursement from the university.

Staff Council has advocated for tuition waivers or reimbursement for several years, and Shortt said the results support that position.

During the council’s fall forum on Nov. 13, UH President Jay Gogue stated that he had worked at two universities, New Mexico State University and Utah State University, with programs offering employee discounts on tuition.

He added that he would support a plan that helped lower tuition costs for staff members but said the university would have to determine the cost and how it may affect either benefits or pay raises.

Respondents also were dissatisfied with merit raises. Only 38 percent agreed that merit raises were distributed fairly, and many staff members wondered why pay was so low.

The survey was the first step in a process to improve working conditions, according to Shortt. Staff Council plans to establish task forces to review the survey’s results in detail and provide recommendations on major areas of concern. She added that non-Staff Council members are encouraged to serve on the two task force committees: Career and Compensation, or Campus Communication and Managerial Skills Training.

For information, contact the Staff Council offices at (713) 743-1578 or online at www.uh.edu/sc.