People Insight has released a new whitepaper, The future of employee listening in HE, outlining how universities can shift from slow, infrequent staff surveys to a more responsive listening approach where feedback translates into meaningful action within weeks.
The publication summarises current listening practices across the higher education sector and sets out how leaders and managers can strengthen trust by demonstrating tangible follow-up on staff input.
Drawing on survey evidence from over 75 Higher Education Institutions, including several Russell Group universities, the report highlights clear trends in employee expectations and organisational response.
A key finding is that confidence in follow-through remains low. Only 40% of higher education employees believe action will be taken as a result of staff feedback, with levels even lower among academic staff at 36%, and 42% among professional services colleagues.
Jane Tidswell, HE Director at People Insight, said: “When only 40% of your employees believe action will be taken, the priority is closing the loop. This guide helps HE leaders move from comment overload to two or three clear steps per team, so employees see change and action, rather than just another survey.”
The report also showed that leader visibility matters to staff, as 46% feel senior leaders make an effort to listen. The results suggest managers are the primary listeners and where managers are supported, institutions see quicker progress. One London university lifted response rates by 11 points and engagement by 5 points with stronger manager involvement in action planning.
The findings suggested that a broader mix of listening methods works best. Universities are combining check-in surveys, one-to-ones, focus groups, anonymous routes, town halls and digital Q&A to reach different roles across faculties and services.
Results also showed that AI can turn comments into clarity. The paper explains how AI and natural language processing group themes and sentiment so issues like workload or burnout risk are easier to spot and address.
The report sets out employee listening trends that are making a real difference to universities and highlights the shifts that will shape 2026 and beyond. It includes advice on strengthening listening strategies to drive meaningful organisational change and improve employee engagement and motivation, with case studies and client examples throughout.
A copy of the report can be downloaded from peopleinsight.co.uk/future-employee-listening-he.
