The results, released in publication’s fifth annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 46,000 employees at 294 colleges and universities.
“It's quite affirming when a national survey validates what we have believed all along — that Lee University is one of the best colleges in America for its employees,” Lee University President Dr. Paul Conn said. “We are very happy to receive this honor, and to be the only private school in Tennessee to be on the national honor roll is especially gratifying.”
Only 103 of the 294 institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies.
Lee was one of 42 institutions recognized on the Honor Roll.
“Employee satisfaction is a vital sign of overall institutional health, and as such, we are pleased to see these results from the leading publication in higher ed,” said Lee University Vice President of University Relations Jerome Hammond.
“Happy professionals do good work,” Conn said. “That's true at a university just as it is at any workplace. I believe one of the reasons Lee serves students so well is that our 600 employees are so positive about working at Lee. It really is a 'great place to work.’”
Lee won honors in 10 categories including Collaborative Governance, Confidence in Senior Leadership, Facilities, Workspace and Security, Job Satisfaction, Professional/Career-Development Programs, Respect and Appreciation, Supervisor or Department Chair Relationship, Teaching Environment, Tenure Clarity and Process, and Work/Life Balance.
“The Chronicle’s reporting shows that more colleges and universities are seeking ways to improve their workplaces,” according to Liz McMillen, editor.
“The ‘formula for success’ continues to evolve, yet there are certain common features among institutions that achieve significant levels of worker satisfaction. The Great Colleges to Work For program allows our readers to learn about the colleges that seem to be getting it right. Great Colleges is more than a ‘marketing’ opportunity for colleges. It is an authentic example of accomplishment.”
The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators and professional support staff.
The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.
To administer the survey and analyze the results, The Chronicle of Higher Education worked with ModernThink LLC, a strategic human capital consulting firm that has conducted numerous “Best Places to Work” programs, surveying hundreds of thousands of employees nationwide.
“What a terrific way to start a new school year!” Conn stressed. “We have our all-hands meeting of 600 employees next Wednesday to start the fall semester, and this special honor comes at a good time to remind us all how much we enjoy working at Lee.”
Great Colleges to Work For is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all the results of the survey, visit www.chronicle.com/academicworkplace.
