Taking action on the Faculty and Staff Engagement Survey results

Action planning is a critical activity that leaders use to transform survey results into short and long-term actionable initiatives for implementation within their teams.

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The launch of the inaugural People Strategy on October 22 marked a significant step toward building a vibrant, inclusive university community where individuals at all levels can thrive and a workplace that values collaboration, well-being and continuous learning.

The Faculty and Staff Engagement Survey plays a key role in advancing this mission by driving engagement, collaboration and growth through action planning. Action planning is a critical activity that leaders use to transform survey results into short and long-term actionable initiatives for implementation within their teams.

“Action planning is about more than just setting goals; it’s about moving forward with

intention while recognizing that care for our community begins with care for the people

supporting this work,” says Ravina Sanghera, vice-provost and dean of students. “To

create meaningful change, we must ensure that those involved in implementing the plan

are supported, valued, and equipped to contribute effectively.” 

This people-focused approach ensures that faculty and staff feedback directly contributes to enhancing their day-to-day experience and that of their coworkers. The next Faculty and Staff Engagement survey is anticipated in 2025 and all U of A faculty and staff members are encouraged to share their thoughts on what makes this a great place to work and to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

Here’s how some U of A leaders and staff are using action planning to create positive change within their teams, incorporating feedback from the most recent Faculty and Staff Engagement Survey:

Recognition in Campus Services 


What changes have been integrated based on employee feedback?

“For Campus Services, the focus was on recognizing the contribution of the team in different ways. We have organized tours of our residences for the University’s senior leadership team to share the work of the team. Another action item that has been a highlight for me is a monthly activity with the Campus Services leadership team. At our monthly strategic meeting, we end the meeting with each person sharing an example of a member of their team (or the broader university community) who is shining in their role. I send a “kudos” recognition note to this individual and their director sharing how they are seen to be shining in their role by others. The response back from staff has been very positive!”

— Katherine Huising, associate vice-president, Campus Services

How have these changes added value to your day-to-day work?

“Before this initiative, I seldom had the opportunity to meet senior leadership in person, and I had never been able to share the student experience in residence with them. However, Katherine's initiative allowed me to be in a room with senior leaders and show them in person the excellent work my team is doing. It is meaningful to me that Katherine is proud enough of our work to invite leaders to visit and see it for themselves. I know she truly supports our efforts.”

— Alison Exner, manager, Residence Life and Education, Campus Services

 

Enhancing Communication and Engagement in the Office of the Dean of Students


What changes have been integrated based on employee feedback?

"By listening to staff feedback, we are strengthening pathways for communication and engagement across the DoS portfolio by improving connections between leadership and all staff through various initiatives including redesigning the intranet and enhancing the DoS Newsletter. We are also developing a space optimization plan, in collaboration with Facilities and Operations, for DoS units to better support teamwork dynamics and prepare for student enrollment growth and support professional development opportunities and career growth by enhancing recognition of success and achievement through dedicated initiatives.”

 — Ravina Sanghera, vice-provost and dean of students

How have these changes added value to your day-to-day work? 

“It is amazing to see the staff feedback on the staff engagement survey transformed into reality under the leadership of Dr. Sanghera. Often surveys and feedback are performative tasks that are not responded to; however, within DoS, leadership heard the staff’s concerns and implemented initiatives and projects in response. This kind of responsiveness creates an environment that I, as a staff member, want to be part of and where I feel that my voice is heard and valued.” 

— Lula Adam, EDI, strategic initiative advisor, Dean of Students
 

“Intentional and increased communication, as well as creating connection opportunities were two key focus areas that I enjoyed working on, among the others. Strength is in people – this speaks to the power, resilience and potential that we all have. It emphasizes the importance of human connection, collaboration and the belief that people are able to achieve great things together. The engagement of the staff working together creates a beautiful work environment that I feel grateful to be a part of.”

— Faiza Lodhi, manager, Administrative Services

"Working on the purpose and values initiative has been such a positive experience for me personally. It’s been great talking with people across DoS about what their work means to them. These conversations have really shown me how important the Dean of Students office is for supporting and caring for our students. It’s been a powerful reminder of the difference we make in students' lives."

— Megan Perram, strategic initiatives advisor, Dean of Students