What Employees Appreciate Most

Summary

• 817 unique responses (75% of participants).
• Sentiment: 93% positive, 2% neutral, 5% negative.
• Key themes: supportive environment, meaningful work, flexibility, strong benefits, mission alignment, sense of community, and beautiful campus.

Themes & Dimensions

Collaboration (49%)

• Collegial relationships and teamwork as top strength.
• Praise for supportive supervisors and positive departmental cultures.
• Faculty highlight collegiality within academic departments and effective leadership.

Job Satisfaction & Support (31%)

• Appreciation for overall benefits, e.g. PTO, retirement, health insurance and tuition assistance.
• Autonomy, flexibility and independence in their role.
• Engagement in meaningful work.

Mission & Pride (30%)

• Pride in OU’s student-centered mission and regional impact.
• Deep appreciation for student engagement and community connection.
• Positive comments on campus aesthetics and OU’s identity as a regional university.

Faculty & Staff Well-being (15%)

• Praise for remote/hybrid work flexibility.
• Recognition of supportive supervisors and emphasis on work-life balance.

Inclusion, Belonging & Community (15%)

• Strong appreciation for campus inclusivity and diversity.
• Recognition of OU’s community feel and welcoming culture.

Professional Development (9%)

• Positive feedback on opportunities for growth and lifelong learning.
• Encouraged to grow their knowledge and skills to benefit their work and career progress.

Confidence in Senior Leadership (8%)

• Appreciation for visible, caring, values-based leadership.
• Recognition of the President’s integrity and effective communication.

Performance Management (6%)

• Praise for existing recognition and rewards programs.

Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness (4%)

• High marks for approachable, supportive, and empowering supervisors.
• Appreciation for trust, openness, and autonomy of supervisors / department Chairs.