Personnel survey 2017: Heading in right direction, but still work to do

Compared with past years, the response rate was good, though the record response of the previous survey was not surpassed.

The responses are in line with the results of the survey that was carried out two years ago. Personnel have noticed the good academic results and the increased visibility and reputation of Aalto. Aalto University is considered a more attractive workplace than in 2015. The updated strategy (2015) and its implementation plan seem to be clearer to personnel now.  Personnel also perceive progress on many strategic development projects, such as campus development, service development and digitalisation. However, feedback from the survey shows that more work is needed in these important areas.

‘Despite the structural changes undertaken in the past years, Aalto University is increasingly regarded as an established university with a common identity. I’m pleased to see that the direction we are going and the things we are doing are right. However, we have identified many areas where we can still improve – thank you for this valuable feedback!’ President Ilkka Niemelä commented.

The survey highlighted many areas for development, and the feedback obtained by it will be utilised to develop the university’s leadership and operations. The President’s Management Team (PMT) chose two themes that emerged from the data – preventing inappropriate conduct and reducing work overload – as common development areas for the university.

‘We are carefully listening to the concerns of our personnel. We have zero tolerance towards inappropriate conduct. This is a matter we take seriously, as the principles of the Aalto Code of Conduct form the basis of the operatonal culture of the whole community’, says Ilkka Niemelä.

To even out the workload, attention will be paid to the allocation of teaching responsibilities as well as to the clarifying of job descriptions and objectives. A more detailed action plan will be prepared by the end of the year.

Results to be discussed with personnel during November and December

The results of the personnel survey will be discussed in the management teams at the schools, departments and units. Every Aalto employee will participate in the discussion and in defining the development areas for their own unit. In addition, the results will be discussed with the Professors’ Council, the Equality Committee as well as with personnel representatives. The Board of Aalto University will consider the results and action plan at its December meeting.

The results of the Personnel Survey (2017) can be found in the attached file.

Further information from the HR coordinators and Ida Salin, tel. +050 564 3299