The results are in.

By Chris Maher, General Manager

Here at BriarPatch, we seek to ensure our most important asset — our staff — is heard and supported. To this end, we conduct a full staff satisfaction survey every two years and a shorter version in between, to gather accurate, non-anecdotal information. Our Board has several policies directing me and the management team to ensure this is an effective and compassionate workplace, and this is our primary way of determining how we are doing. This information informs our Multi-Year Business Plan which I am currently drafting for the coming year.

This year’s survey took place before most of the Auburn team was hired. Impressively, 98% of eligible employees participated. This turnout is amazing, and intrinsically shows the care our staff shows for the Co-op. And, we had exceedingly high scores on all topics. Comparing our results to those from surveys at 320 other co-ops, our scores were in the top or second quartile. Certain questions’ scores are combined to rate staff engagement, and we were at the top of that area too.

Survey themes include:

Personal experience of a culture of inclusion and respect: Employees are proud to be part of the Co-op, as it is an open-minded and caring place that celebrates differences.

High marks for equity: Staff overwhelmingly indicated receiving fair treatment in all aspects of identity and expression, commenting on the message of diversity woven throughout product selection, signage and employee individuality.

Strong leadership in the departments: Generally, managers were cited as accommodating, appreciative, clear/ direct in sharing information and willing to listen.

Appreciation for benefits: The highestscoring question on the survey was “The benefits package is valuable to me.” Staff appreciate paid lunch breaks and time off, medical/dental/vision benefits, the Co-op’s medical plan contribution and the 401k plan.

Pride in serving our community: Comments like “It feels good to contribute to a satisfying shopping experience for people which also does good for the community,” show the strong connection between BriarPatch and the community.

Not surprisingly, the biggest area of opportunity was in compensation. In July, when we conducted the survey, we hadn’t yet thawed our wage freeze. We are all very grateful this has happened, and we know wages are of top importance and will continue to strive to improve them. To that end, HR is conducting our periodic survey of area wages to see how we compare with similar jobs.

Another focus of the results was the need to invest in additional training. I anticipate this will be called out in our plan as an area for continued investment of resources. Respondents commented overwhelmingly that they were appreciative of the Co-op’s commitment to its mission and their part in it. They expressed gratitude for the personal experience of inclusion and respect they find at work. There are always places where we can do better, and we will continue to do so.