A large majority of Idaho State University employees say they are satisfied with where they work — but a staff survey found signs of growing unease.
“Employees are feeling underappreciated, less job satisfaction and disconnected to ISU’s mission,” according to a PowerPoint presentation on Idaho State’s latest employee engagement survey.
The results were posted online Monday. But the survey went live in October — early in an academic year marked by downsizing.
In February, university officials announced plans to cut 44 positions, saving some $8.3 million, while consolidating several colleges and programs. During the 2026 legislative session, Gov. Brad Little and lawmakers made two years’ worth of cuts to higher education budgets — 4% in the current spending year, and 5% in the spending year beginning July 1.
The fiscal clouds have clearly weighed on the Idaho State community, President Robert Wagner said Wednesday.
“While the survey was conducted before strategic, budget-focused restructuring efforts were announced, there was a general understanding of this year’s budget constraints within the internal university community,” Wagner said in a statement to EdNews. “We appreciate that the challenges have, no doubt, been hard for every member of our institutional community.”
Several survey results reflect uncertainties, and not just about money.
Resources: 76% of respondents say they have the tools and resources to do their job well, down from 84% in 2022.
Appreciation: 57% of respondents say they receive regular recognition or appreciation for doing their job well, down from 72% in 2022.
Satisfaction: 74% of respondents say they are satisfied with their employer. Three years ago, that number was 81%.
Across the board, numbers dropped in every question exploring Idaho State’s work environment and culture — including workplace resources. These results indicate “an organization-wide shift in employee sentiment,” according to the presentation.
Wagner said Idaho State is addressing these results. University leaders are working with ISU’s elected Staff Council on initiatives to respond to resource concerns. During Idaho State’s recent Employee Appreciation Week, the university collected more than 372 submissions for a digital wall of thanks.
“We received an overwhelming response,” Wagner said. “We will continue to broaden these efforts over the coming months and make these events annual.”
The survey had some bright spots — and at least some signs of stability.
In all, 70% of respondents said university communications were effective, up from 58% in 2022.
Meanwhile, 84% of employees said their supervisors support career growth and development, up from 81% a year ago.
Asked about leadership, 72% of respondents expressed confidence in senior university administrators and 69% expressed confidence in college or division leaders — numbers virtually unchanged from 2022.
“We learned some things we are doing well, and some things we are working to improve upon,” Wagner said Wednesday. “Like any large organization, we know there are areas where we can improve, and we are not shying away from asking tough questions and engaging the institutional community to find ways to do so.”
Idaho State received 506 survey responses, reflecting about 30% of university faculty and staff.
