North Dakota University System employees want more pay, happy with benefits

More competitive pay was the top priority among North Dakota University System employees while they also expressed satisfaction with the benefits they receive, according to a recent survey. 

The University System, comprising 11 public colleges and the system office, conducted the rewards survey from Sept. 14-30 to gather employee feedback on compensation, benefits and the overall rewards package. 

About 41% of the faculty, staff and administrators responded to the survey. Temporary and student employees were not included. 

The survey results were presented to the State Board of Higher Education last month. 

Of the 3,069 employees who responded, 2,260 selected “More competitive pay” as one of the top three changes they would like to see.

When asked what employees value most, health insurance ranked No. 1, followed by a retirement plan and then increased pay. 

When asked if they would seek other employment if they were required to pay for part of their health insurance premium, 29% responded “strongly agree” and 33% “agree.”

In compiling top themes from submitted comments, paid family medical leave and better vision and dental insurance were the top responses. 

This is the third biennial compensation survey the University System has conducted. 

Jane Grinde, chief human resource officer for the University System, told the board that the top results from the survey have been consistent over the three surveys. 

Reach North Dakota Monitor deputy editor Jeff Beach at [email protected]