Research from People Insight finds AI can help universities interpret and analyze employee feedback
People Insight, an employee experience platform, has shared a new whitepaper explaining how universities can make better use of staff feedback and move beyond one-off surveys and slow response times.
Using insight from 75 higher education institutions, People Insight found that only 40 percent of employees at universities believe action will be taken after a staff survey. The results were lower for academics, at 36 percent.
Jane Tidswell, HE Director at People Insight explains: “When only 40% of your employees believe action will be taken, the priority is closing the loop. This guide helps HE leaders move from comment overload to two or three clear steps per team, so employees see change and action, rather than just another survey.”
People Insight suggests organizations use a broader mix of listening methods to measure staff sentiment, with one-on-ones, focus groups, and digital Q&As suggested. It says this can ensure they reach different roles across the organization including services and faculties.
The paper also says AI can be used to analyze staff comments and feedback to measure the general mood of an institution. This allows organizations to detect issues and respond proactively.
The report also shares that supporting managers is key. One London university was able to improve survey response rates by 11 points and employee engagement by five points by giving management stronger involvement in action planning.
