Institute Named a "2010 Great College to Work For"
The MGH Institute is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The results, released today in prestigious education magazine's third annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 42,000 employees at 277 colleges and universities.
In all, only 97 institutions in the United States achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. The MGH Institute was included in the Small Colleges division for schools that have fewer than 3,000 students.
The MGH Institute won honors for:
- Collaborative Governance, defined as faculty members being appropriately involved in decisions related to academic programs;
- Work/Life Balance, defined as policies that give employees the flexibility to manage their personal lives; and
- Respect and Appreciation, defined as employees being regularly recognized for their contributions.
“This is an affirmation from our faculty and staff that this is an institution that values and recognizes in tangible ways the involvement and contributions of every individual,” said President Dr. Janis P. Bellack. “We are very proud that the Institute is considered a great place to work, and are committed to assuring it remains so.”
Department of Physical Therapy Clinical Associate Professor Cynthia Zadai noted the open lines of communication between the faculty and the administration.
“Decision-making in a shared governance model such as we have at the Institute allows for expression and consideration of both majority and minority opinions,” said Dr. Zadai, immediate past chair of the Faculty. “Input is regularly sought and thoroughly considered.”
Brett DiMarzo, the school’s manager of admissions and current chair of its Staff Council, said employees are regularly recognized for their contributions. This includes the annual Partners in Excellence award, a monthly brown bag lunch in which employees sit to discuss topics with Dr. Bellack, and a newly established Employee of the Year award.
“Especially in this economy, when everyone is working so much harder, it’s important to appreciate employees’ contributions,” he said.
DiMarzo also recalled the time he had to spend with his wife following the birth of their son.
“It was so rewarding to be able to take several weeks off so we could bond as a new family,” he said. “It’s something I’ll always remember.”
The Chronicle’s 2010 Great Colleges to Work For program recognizes small groups of colleges, based on enrollment size, for specific best practices and policies. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.
Now in its third year, the Great Colleges program has become one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country.