OU Engage GALLUP 2026
Agenda • What is GALLUP? • Last Year's Results • Engagement • Strengths • Areas for Improvement
• Ways to Show Praise • Candid Conversations
What is GALLUP? A research-backed tool to measure and strengthen employee engagement, centered around 12 key statements within 4 basic hierarchical needs
The Q12 helps us: • • • •
Identify what's working well and what might need improvement Promote meaningful conversations among employees and supervisors Create strategies to better support professional and personal success Monitor engagement over time to build continuous improvement
The results of the Q12 provide us with actionable and attainable insights to build a more supportive, connected, and thriving department!
of the athletics department completed the 2025 GALLUP survey. That is equivalent to 177 employees.
Engagement
We want to continue to increase engagement! What is an engagement survey? - Gauges how motivated and happy our employees are What's the point of conducting an employee engagement survey? - Provides the tools to improve the employee experience
- Helps with the development of effective employee recruitment and retention strategies
Why should you care about engagement? - Improves performance and work quality - Increases retention - Boosts innovation, collaboration, and safety
- Enhances employee well-being and job satisfaction - Strengthens organizational resilience and reputation - Opens communication with leadership
Strengths Q05: My manager, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person. Q09: My coworkers are committed to doing quality work.
Key Takeaways •
Employees feel supported on a personal level, suggesting our leaders are fostering a culture of trust, empathy, and genuine care.
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Employees have confidence in their colleagues' commitment to excellence, reflecting a culture where quality and accountability are shared values.
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These two strengths show success in both the human and performance sides of the workplace!
Room for Growth Q04: In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work. Q02: I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right.
Key Takeaways •
During this stage, employees want to know their individual contributions and their worth to the department
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Manager support is especially important during this stage because managers typically define and reinforce value
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Ensure employees have the necessary resources to perform their work effectively by regularly assessing equipment needs and removing operational barriers.
Individual Employee Needs from Q04 and Q02:
Help me see my value . Free me from unnecessary stress.
How do we successfully work our way up the ladder to attain departmental growth?
Areas of Improvement Q04: Recognition or Praise ✓ Recognize achievements as close to the moment as possible ✓ Recognize both big and small accomplishments ✓ Highlight exactly what was done well and why it matters Be the spark! Don't wait for someone to recognize your work – start by recognizing others. A simple, genuine compliment can lift spirits and boost team morale. Q02: Employee Resources and Needs ✓ Gather feedback on workplace tools, resources, and technology ✓ Streamline the process for requesting equipment/resources ✓ Address recurring operational barriers that impact productivity
Ways to Show Praise Tokens of Appreciation
Sooner Shoutouts •
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Take a few seconds to recognize someone in Athletics who showcases SOONER MAGIC. Whether it be a major accomplishment or a small act of kindness, let’s spread love and gratitude amongst our Athletics Family Shoutouts are highlighted in the monthly Sooner Magic Newsletter Send submissions to soonershoutout@ou.edu
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Leave a friendly sticky note or a handwritten card - Thank you! Great work! Keep it up!
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Shoutouts in meetings or group chats
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Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones
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Weekly or monthly recognition for someone on your team
CANDID CONVERSATIONS Candid Conversations are confidential, small group stay interviews designed to create a safe space where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered. These conversations are part of our commitment to
building a strong, supportive workplace-together.
• We want to know what’s working—what keeps you here, what motivates you, and what makes this a place you choose to stay. At the same time, we welcome honest feedback about challenges, with a focus on brainstorming solutions and sharing ideas to make things even better.
• Candid Conversations is a space for meaningful dialogue, fresh thinking, and mutual growth. Your voice matters. Let’s use it to spark progress. Be on the lookout for more information.
If you would like to participate in Candid Conversations or learn more, please contact Suna Cicekli, Sr. Associate AD/People and Culture, at suna@ou.edu
WE ARE LISTENING & WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, FEEDBACK? Contact suna@ou.edu