During the Summer of 2007, the Office of Human Resources administered a paper survey to Grinnell College supervisors of FTE and/or PTE employees. The purpose of the survey was to measure managers' interest in training topics for their direct reports. Staff in Human Resources used this information to design training programs for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. A summary of survey results appears below.

Assessment of Managers/Supervisors re: Staff Training & Job Skills: 69 surveys were distributed to Grinnell College supervisors/managers - those who manage FTE staff, PTE staff or a combination of both. 28 surveys were returned for a response rate of 41% (+/-).

75% of respondents agreed that their staff have the skills needed to perform their jobs.
57% of respondents specified that their staff have in the past year attended a training session offered by HR.
61% of respondents support and encourage staff attendance at training opportunities.
However...
46% of respondents felt that their staff were too busy to attend campus training sessions.

Respondents (43%) specified that their department schedules best support training that is held in a small group setting. The second most popular choice was one-on-one training (36%).

The most popular pre-given training topics supported by supervisors/managers are:
Managing Stress (68%)
Problem-Solving (54%)
1-Organizational Skills and 2-Professionalism & Diplomacy (tie-39%)
1-Change and 2-Strategic Thinking and 3-Interpersonal Communication (3-way tie-36%)


For more information about surveys administered through the Office of College Services or by departments under the College Services division, please contact Vicki J. Wade, Services Coordinator, at 641-269-3044.