2024 Results

As in previous engagement surveys, statements related to job satisfaction and support received highly favorable responses in 2024, with an average of 83% of respondents overall agreeing or strongly agreeing with the three statements in this topic area.

Eighty-five percent agreed or strongly agreed that the work they do is meaningful to them, while 84% said they are given the responsibility and freedom to do their job. Seventy-nine percent said their job makes good use of their skills and abilities.

Negative responses in this area averaged just 5% overall.

Employees were asked about four specific statements related to faculty and staff well-being, with an overall average favorable rating of 73%.

Eighty-one percent agreed or strongly agreed that their supervisor shows a genuine interest in their well-being, and 78% believe that NC State’s policies and practices give them the flexibility to manage their work and personal life. In addition, 72% said they know where to go at NC State to get help with their mental or emotional well-being.

Employees were less likely to agree that NC State takes appropriate steps to protect the health and safety of faculty, staff and students, with 62% saying they agreed or strongly agreed, and 14% saying they disagreed or strongly disagreed.

This topic area had an average overall positive rating of 55%, the lowest positive rating of all 10 topic areas.

Only 45% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “Our recognitions and rewards programs are meaningful to me,” while just over one-fourth disagreed (26%), making this the lowest rated of the 41 items on the survey. The next two lowest-rated items on the survey were also in the area of performance management. Almost one-fourth of employees disagreed that promotions in their department are based on merit (24%), and a similar number disagreed that issues of low performance are addressed in their department (23%).

Employees overall were more likely to feel that they are recognized for their contributions, with 57% agreeing that is true for them, and 17% disagreeing. The performance review process was also given generally favorable ratings by employees overall. Although 15% disagreed that the review process accurately measures their performance, 61% agreed.

Ratings in the area of performance management were more positive for the sixth statement, “There is appropriate recognition of innovative and high-quality teaching,” with 68% agreeing or strongly agreeing. Twenty-two percent had neutral responses, while 11% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

Employees continued to express confidence in their supervisors and department chairs, with statements in this area averaging a 73% positive rating. Seventy percent said their supervisors give useful feedback, 75% said they are consistent and fair, and 75% said they have clear expectations. On average, only 9% had negative responses in this area.

The topic area of communication had an average overall positive rating of 61%, making it the third–lowest-rated area on the survey.

Still, two statements in this area received relatively high positive ratings. Nearly two-thirds agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “When I offer a new idea, I believe it will be fully considered” (65%), and only slightly fewer agreed that they can speak up about or challenge something without fear of harming their career (63%).

The third statement in the area of communication was rated less favorably. Fifty-six percent of employees agreed or strongly agreed that “At this institution, we discuss and debate issues respectfully to get better results,” while 14% disagreed or disagreed strongly. However, this statement generated among the highest proportion of neutral responses, with 31% saying they neither agreed nor disagreed.

Employees’ ratings of each of the three statements in the area of collaboration varied widely. While 72% agreed or strongly agreed that people in their department work well together, and 68% agreed or strongly agreed that faculty are appropriately involved in decisions related to educational programs, just 50% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “There’s a sense that we’re all on the same team at this institution.” Thirty-two percent had neutral responses, while 18% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

This year, the survey included six statements related to the work environment, which overall tied for the second-highest average favorable ratings out of the 10 topic areas asked about, putting it in the “excellent” to “very good” range.

Eighty percent or more agreed or strongly agreed that NC State (84%) and their own department (80%) welcome the many identities and attributes of faculty and staff, with just 4% disagreeing with each statement. In addition, 72% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “This institution places sufficient emphasis on having faculty, administrators, and staff with varying disciplines and backgrounds,” while 8% disagree. However, while the statement that NC State has clear procedures for dealing with discrimination still received a favorable rating from a majority of employees, they were slightly less likely to agree. Seventy percent agreed or strongly agreed, and 9% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

Employees overall believe that NC State has a good “town and gown” relationship. While 21% said they neither agreed nor disagreed, 73% agreed that the university collaborates effectively with the community.

Finally, although one in 10 employees indicated they do not feel a sense of belonging at NC State, 69% agreed or strongly agreed that they do.

As they have in previous surveys, employees expressed a strong sense of pride in NC State, with 89% agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement, “I understand how my job contributes to this institution’s mission.” Eighty-one percent agreed or strongly agreed that they are proud to work at NC State, and 80% said their department is a good place to work.

While employees were slightly less likely to agree or strongly agree that NC State is a great place to work (74%) or that they would recommend working at NC State to others (74%), in both instances relatively few employees disagreed (6% and 7%, respectively).

But employees didn’t necessarily consider their work environment unique. Just 54% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “This institution’s culture is special — something you don’t find just anywhere.” Twenty-nine percent had neutral responses, while 17% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

The overall rating for the confidence in senior leadership area was the second lowest of the 10 areas on the survey, with an average rating of 56%. However, notable percentages of employees said they neither agreed nor disagreed with each statement in this area.

Close to 60% of employees agreed or strongly agreed that the institution is well run (58%) and that senior leadership provides clear direction for the future of NC State (58%). Eleven percent disagreed or strongly disagreed that the institution is well run, while 17% expressed disagreement about the clarity of direction for its future.

Employees were slightly less likely to agree that senior leadership shows genuine interest in the well-being of faculty and staff (55%) or that senior leadership communicates openly about important matters (54%). Eighteen percent of employees said they disagreed or strongly disagreed with each statement.

Although employees said they feel good about opportunities to develop their skills at NC State and that they have access to needed training, they were less likely to believe they understand what is required to advance in their career at NC State. Seventy-five percent agreed or strongly agreed that they have opportunities to develop their skills, and 73% said they have access to training. In contrast, just 60% agreed or strongly agreed that they understand the necessary requirements to advance in their career, with 18% disagreeing.