The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) held a town hall on June 8 to discuss the results of its Staff Experience Survey.
The event, led by Malika Monger MPA, PHR, associate vice president and chief human resources officer, and Diane Forbes Berthoud, PhD, MA, chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer and vice president, UMB, and professor, University of Maryland Graduate School, aimed to promote transparency, address concerns, and share the University's commitment to continuous improvement.
The anonymous survey collected feedback on various aspects of staff life at UMB, including diversity, culture, staff experience, transparency, positive change, and belonging.
With 75 percent of participants scoring their experience as “Satisfied” and “Extremely Satisfied,” it is clear that UMB has cultivated a supportive and inclusive work environment. Furthermore, 74 percent of respondents see themselves in the same department in two years, demonstrating a strong sense of commitment and loyalty to the University.
During the town hall, Monger and Forbes Berthoud shared key findings from the survey, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement within the University. They emphasized that the high satisfaction rate is a testament to UMB’s dedication to its core values, but there is always room for growth and development.
The town hall also explored areas where the University can focus on making improvements. Some staff members expressed a desire for increased transparency and communication, especially regarding decision-making processes and the rationale behind certain policies. Others suggested more opportunities for professional development and growth within their roles.
“Kudos to our employees and our supervisors who’ve really tried to integrate those core values into the fabric of who we are and what we do — our employees feeling like they have sufficient freedom, being treated with respect, and being able to make recommendations without fear,” Monger said.
Overall, the Staff Experience Survey town hall demonstrated UMB’s unwavering commitment to its core values and its focus on enhancing the staff experience. By engaging in open dialogue, addressing concerns, and celebrating successes, the University is fostering a collaborative and supportive community where all members can thrive.
To learn more about the Staff Experience Survey, visit www.umaryland.edu/hrs/current-employees/staff-experience-survey-fall-2022/.