ÄûÃʵ¼º½

News

Personnel survey 2017: Heading in right direction, but still work to do

The survey was carried out in October and 2 327 Aalto employees (61%) responded.

Compared with past years, the response rate was good, though the record response of the previous survey was not surpassed.

The responses are in line with the results of the survey that was carried out two years ago. Personnel have noticed the good academic results and the increased visibility and reputation of Aalto. Aalto University is considered a more attractive workplace than in 2015. The updated strategy (2015) and its implementation plan seem to be clearer to personnel now.  Personnel also perceive progress on many strategic development projects, such as campus development, service development and digitalisation. However, feedback from the survey shows that more work is needed in these important areas.

‘Despite the structural changes undertaken in the past years, Aalto University is increasingly regarded as an established university with a common identity. I’m pleased to see that the direction we are going and the things we are doing are right. However, we have identified many areas where we can still improve – thank you for this valuable feedback!’ President Ilkka Niemelä commented.

The survey highlighted many areas for development, and the feedback obtained by it will be utilised to develop the university’s leadership and operations. The President’s Management Team (PMT) chose two themes that emerged from the data – preventing inappropriate conduct and reducing work overload – as common development areas for the university.

‘We are carefully listening to the concerns of our personnel. We have zero tolerance towards inappropriate conduct. This is a matter we take seriously, as the principles of the form the basis of the operatonal culture of the whole community’, says Ilkka Niemelä.

To even out the workload, attention will be paid to the allocation of teaching responsibilities as well as to the clarifying of job descriptions and objectives. A more detailed action plan will be prepared by the end of the year.

Results to be discussed with personnel during November and December

The results of the personnel survey will be discussed in the management teams at the schools, departments and units. Every Aalto employee will participate in the discussion and in defining the development areas for their own unit. In addition, the results will be discussed with the Professors’ Council, the Equality Committee as well as with personnel representatives. The Board of Aalto University will consider the results and action plan at its December meeting.

The results of the Personnel Survey (2017) can be found in the .

Further information from the HR coordinators and Ida Salin, tel. +050 564 3299

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Research & Art Published:

The PDF files in the Aalto research portal are not loading

The PDF files in the ACRIS research information system’s research portal (research.aalto.fi) are currently not loading. The issue is being investigated.
Three people talk at a round table; woman holds a cup, phone nearby, tech wall behind
Research & Art Published:

How to attract employees back to the office

Return-to-office policies are popular among employers, but securing employee cooperation hinges on offering them a fair exchange in return for accepting less autonomy.
A dog and two researchers. Photo: Aalto University/Mikko Raskinen
Research & Art Published:

Assistance dogs interpret needs of the person they assist non-verbally

A recent study shows that assistance dogs not only help people with practical tasks, but also actively contribute to their care
Two people in dark jackets stand by wide indoor stairs with wooden railings and modern lighting
Studies Published:

From Singapore to Finland: Students discover new perspectives on sustainability at Aalto University

In March 2026, Aalto University Summer School had the privilege of hosting a group of bright and ambitious students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore for a two-week program on social sustainability and creativity.