MSU IT Work Climate Survey Recap

Ever since the announced, MSU imposed campus IT alignment, the APA has received many questions, concerns, and complaints regarding the workplace climate from members in IT classifications and those connected to the delivery of technology services across campus. The APA was able to successfully address some of the concerns connected to the IT alignment. However, the union continued to receive concerning feedback at our Community Luncheons, member trainings and events, and direct communications to the APA office.   

The APA continues to work diligently on behalf of members, pursuing resolutions that improve the workplace and the careers of all APA members. In an effort to better understand the current workplace climate, the APA conducted an IT work climate survey in May and June 2019. The survey was sent to all APA dues paying members currently holding an IT classification or connected to the delivery of campus technology services.

With a 40% response rate, the APA was able to confirm some of the overarching issues raised by members and gain a better understanding of individualized and department level concerns. Of particular note, the data has told us that:

• When assessing how changes happen in departments, more than 60% indicated management exclusively decides and only 11% described the process as collaborative.
• Only 26% of respondents indicated that since the announced IT Alignment, the workplace climate has been pleasant and professional.
• Only 21% feel there are opportunities for career growth within their current department and less than 9% of survey respondents feel the current IT hiring and promotion process is fair and transparent.
• More than 92% of survey respondents are scheduled to work 40 hours a week. However, 55% of respondents consistently work more than 40 hours in a week and only 22% receive any compensation (cash payment or compensatory hours) for the additional time worked.
• A majority of the respondents do not feel valued and appreciated by MSU, management, and their department.
• 75% of survey respondents indicated they have check-ins with their immediate supervisor monthly or more frequently.
• 65% of respondents intend to stay at MSU for the next 3-5 years and only 30% of those who responded intend to stay at MSU for the next 15 years.

The APA is meeting with senior university administration in an effort to address the concerns highlighted through the IT work climate survey and identify potential resolution. While the MSU process moves slower than we desire, the APA continues to aggressively pursue these member concerns and use the IT work climate survey responses to foster positive change. 

The APA will keep the membership updated and welcomes continued feedback by emailing [email protected] or calling the office at 517.999.4004.