Pulse Survey Results

February 2023

The Pulse Survey utilizes categories to be able to provide a high-level overview of the areas that folks are happy with and those that are in need of improvement.  The category definitions are listed below.  Actual responses will also available.  Responses will be reviewed by the WCC Co-chairs (Sheri N. White & Konrad Hughen), the CPO (Yessica Cancel) and the CDEIO (Natalie Nevárez) to identify specific actions that can be taken to address climate issues.

Highlights

• 58 people commented on aspects of their work being a highlight – working with interesting data, submitting proposals or reports, attending conferences, getting papers published, etc.
• 25 people had highlights related to being with and working with others.
• There were shout outs to TSC, AcadeMIA, and Peter’s AMA.

Area for Improvement

• 18 people commented on the need for better compensation – i.e., higher salaries, being compensated for commuting, more hard money support, more B&P support, support for “unfunded” tasks (WHOI-wide meetings, committee work, seminars, etc.).
• 13 people commented on the need for better management (supervisors with training who appreciate and support their direct reports, and who communicate well).
• 12 people cited the need for improvements to their workload, including improvements in management, more staffing, and more time and less stress.
• 6 people asked for improved processes and policies – improvements to the annual review and promotion process (particularly for tech staff), an integrated ERP system, clarity on anonymous reporting, and earlier submissions of proposals.
• 5 people commented on issues related to tech staff – needing a critical mass, mechanisms for knowledge transfer, inclusion and respect from scientific staff.
• 5 people asked for more community events/opportunities for interaction, including more seating space in the Buttery.