Human Resources

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Dear Faculty and Staff,

In March of this year, we invited employees to participate in the university-wide People First Survey to collect information that would help improve your work experience. We're excited to announce that we are now able to share the university-wide results.

The survey results are available on the People First Survey section of the HR website. Employees can access the detailed results for each question using their my.ryerson login information.

We achieved a very encouraging participation rate for a first survey of this kind, with 50% of staff and faculty taking the time to provide us with input about their experience. In addition to participation rate, the survey identified several things we can be proud of:

• 80% engagement rate, with respondents indicating that they agree or strongly agree that they are satisfied with their job and would recommend Ryerson as a good place to work
• 85% would recommend Ryerson to prospective students, demonstrating a strong belief in Ryerson's academic offerings
• 89% understand how their role supports the success of students, indicating a strong sense that employees are engaged for a common purpose
• 84% feel physically safe in their work environment at Ryerson University

Ryerson also performed well on questions related to equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly with respect to employees' personal experience: 80 - 86% of respondents indicated that they receive fair treatment in their department or school regardless of their gender, ethnic or cultural origin, creed or religious affiliation, disability/ability, sexual orientation, age or family status.

The overall survey data does not, however, tell us about the experience of people who self-identify as members of specific demographic groups. We will be working closely with Ryerson's new Assistant Vice-President/Vice Provost Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to explore these results further.

There are also survey questions where the university did not do as well, and these areas need to be explored further to identify how we can improve as an employer. Our initial analysis has identified five university-wide issues that need further investigation: 1) opportunities for advancement and development; 2) opportunities to contribute; 3) recognition; 4) change management and cooperation; 5) support to do one's job effectively.

We know that numbers alone cannot tell the whole story. We need to understand the concerns of employees better so we can develop effective, targeted initiatives to create real change. Ryerson's Employee Survey Committee will be investigating these issues further and recommending specifics steps to take.

There are People First initiatives that have recently been introduced, or are coming soon, that should help to address some concerns identified in the survey. One example is our new recognition and awards program, which last year included the inaugural Ryerson Awards Night and the new President's Blue and Gold Award. Soon we will be presenting the first Dr. Linda Grayson Achievement Award, the Alan Shepard Award for Achievements in Diversity and launching an annual celebration for retirees.

Ryerson is already a great place to work. From this strong foundation, the survey results give us information that enables us to redouble our efforts. The university is committed to developing a people first culture where every employee is respected, valued, and heard.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Tamar Myers at (416) 979-5000 ext. 7974 or tsmyers@ryerson.ca.

Thank you for your participation in the People First Survey and for your continued interest.