In the face of unprecedented challenges, the education sector has stood resilient, facing conflicts and industrial action head-on. As the sector grapples with these critical issues, we have unveiled a report rich in insights and solutions, tailored specifically for senior leaders and HR teams within education.
In this blog, we’ve pulled together some of the key findings, with strategies to help HR leaders combat challenges faced in the education sector to work towards creating a thriving workplace.
Unearthing crucial insights for the education sector
Using data from our employee voice platform and people science service, the report zeroes in on the most pressing challenges universities, colleges, and schools currently face. Two notable concerns have emerged:
- Retaining top talent: In an increasingly competitive landscape, retaining the best employees has become a matter of urgency.
- Prioritising employee wellbeing: Addressing burnout and promoting overall employee wellbeing emerges as a critical focus for the sector.
Benchmark data: A comprehensive overview
The report also provides benchmark data for the education sector, offering a comprehensive snapshot of key metrics over the past year.
Notably, the engagement levels and employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) have experienced a gradual decline in the first half of 2023. However, the “Pride” score remains stable at a positive level.
Identifying gaps and opportunities
The “Loyalty” score has been flagged as an area needing attention, aligning with ongoing conversations surrounding staff retention challenges.
By the end of September 2023, Education’s eNPS was lower than the combined average for all sectors. This indicates the impact of industrial action on working conditions and concerns over compensation.
Key insights from HR leaders
The report draws from a comprehensive survey of 69 HR leaders in the education sector, offering a comparative analysis with responses from HR leaders across other sectors. These insights are categorised into three crucial areas:
- Employee Voice Strategy
- Leadership Alignment
- Manager Training
- Action Planning
Significantly, the survey reveals that over a quarter of education organisations lack a defined understanding of engagement, while less than 9% have a clear definition specific to their institution.
This absence of clarity poses a significant challenge in implementing effective strategies to improve employee engagement and experience.
Nearly half of education organisations do not have specific goals and objectives for enhancing engagement, highlighting a critical need for reevaluation and proactive measures.
Key findings highlighted that:
Empowering change with Hive HR
To drive actionable change, Hive offers tailored solutions for the education sector. This includes workshops with Occupational Psychologists and custom feedback solutions.
By harnessing these resources, education HR leaders can effectively address challenges related to employee voice and engagement, ultimately creating a more positive and productive work environment.
For more information on the 2023 Insight Report or Hive’s solutions for the education sector, download your copy of the report now.
With a proven track record spanning various industries and sectors, including education, Hive stands as a beacon for creating thriving workplaces. Through a fusion of cutting-edge technology and Occupational Psychologist expertise, Hive paves the way for organisations to amplify their employee voice, fostering a culture of growth and prosperity.
