Facilities Insider: FM Survey and Projects

The Facilities Insider was held on Aug. 20. Mary Ann Berzins, assistant vice president of Human Resources, presented the macro level results of the employee survey.

The survey was focused on 25 functional groupings and received a completion percentage of 68.7 percent. This survey sets a benchmark as it is the first employee survey in Facilities Management history. Most employees reported feeling that things work well within Facilities and support from colleagues was noted as a highlight. A total of 73.2 percent would describe morale as fair or higher, and 26.8 percent would describe it as low. Most employees believe there is good collaboration within groups and many appreciate the scheduling and variety of work.

Areas for improvement include the need for a career track, administrative resourses and recognition. Opportunities for growth and advancement were identified as leadership styles, inconsistent policy application, communication, resources and pay.

Now that Facilities Management has a general sense of the results, next steps will be management and supervisor-level meetings to review results and themes of comments. Once those meetings have taken place, more specific action plans that respond to the results will be developed. HR will work with groups on action plans, as well as help administration leadership on management style and culture. To be continued!

Mike stated that he hears the concerns regarding pay. He commented we’ve made strides in recent years, but he’s aware we have room for improvement. He will continue to advocate for us.

John McNary also provided an update on university projects.

 Projects completed end of 2013: Thatcher, Skaggs Pharmacy, Business school phase 2, parking access, Sorenson Arts & Education, infrastructure, women’s softball field.

Next up: Basketball facility, Central and Business loop parking garage.

Seeking approval: Crocker Science addition, Lassonde living learning center, Alumni house, infrastructure projects.

Mike stated that he hears the concerns regarding pay. He commented we’ve made strides in recent years, but he’s aware we have room for improvement.