Creating connections
Penn State University in University Park, Pa., not only surveyed employees about their ideal workplace, but also hosted a focus group with prospective hires, new hires, current employees and students who had submitted their two-week notices. The numbers revealed that many of the around 1,200 student workers felt unconnected and unseen at the operation. To counteract this feeling, Penn State added student success managers to each location. These assistant managers serve as a point of contact for student employees, set up meetings with students, and make sure they are thriving.
In addition, Penn State found that workers would rather receive time-based raises than merit-based. The school upped their starting wage from $8.50 to $9, and created an opportunity for employees to receive a raise for every continued semester on staff, giving students an incentive to stay.