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Rooted in Values. Focused on People.
At Auburn University, employee engagement is about connection, growth, and recognition. We believe engaged employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best—both professionally and personally.
University Human Resources partners with departments across campus to support engagement throughout the employee lifecycle.
What is Employee Engagement?
Employee engagement is an approach at workplaces that motivates employees to stay committed to their organizational goals and to do their best at work. It can broadly be defined as the extent to which employees are invested in their job and put in the amount of effort that is needed to get a job done. Engaged employees are more motivated and productive than their counterparts.
-Stanford University
“Engaged employees are more motivated and productive than their counterparts.”
Getting Started
Starting a new role is an important moment for both employees and departments. Auburn’s onboarding experience is designed to welcome new employees, introduce Auburn’s culture and values, and set the foundation for long‑term success.
Onboarding at Auburn includes:
- University and department orientation
- Introduction to Auburn’s vision and mission, along with The Auburn Creed
- Required employment and benefits information
- Resources to help new employees navigate campus and their role
Onboarding is a shared responsibility between the University, departments, supervisors, and employees, ensuring every new hire feels connected and prepared from day one.
Engagement Opportunities
Employees are encouraged to participate in campus‑wide initiatives that promote connection, learning, and well‑being, including:
- Professional and leadership development programs, such as Aspire Auburn (see below)
- Health, wellness, and work‑life initiatives, including Healthy Tigers
- Community and service‑based opportunities
- Special events celebrating Auburn employees, such as Employee Appreciation Week
These opportunities help employees build relationships across campus and stay connected to the Auburn community.
Learning and Professional Growth
Auburn is committed to supporting continuous learning and development for employees at all levels.
Performance Development
Performance development at Auburn, better known as ACE Performance, is a collaborative, year‑round process between employees and supervisors that focuses on goal setting, growth, and meaningful feedback. This process supports ongoing conversations about expectations, progress, and professional development.
Leadership Development – Aspire Auburn
Aspire Auburn is the University’s leadership development program, rooted in Auburn’s values of excellence, integrity, and respect. Aspire Auburn offers pathways for employees to grow as leaders—whether leading self, people, or teams—and supports leadership learning at every career stage.
Educational Benefits
Eligible employees may take advantage of educational benefits, including tuition assistance, to support continued learning and career advancement as part of Auburn’s commitment to employee growth.
ElevatED Courses: These ElevatED courses support engagement by helping employees build meaningful relationships, communicate effectively, grow professionally, and take an active role in their learning and development.
Recognition and Appreciation
Recognizing the contributions of employees is a core part of engagement at Auburn University. Through both formal and informal programs, such as Spirit of Excellence, Auburn celebrates employees who exemplify excellence, dedication, and service.
Employee Recognition Program
Auburn’s Employee Recognition Program honors:
- Years of service milestones
- Spirit of Excellence recipients
- Employees of the Year
- Employees who complete Aspire Auburn leadership programs
- Employees who achieve personal milestones, such as earning degrees
This annual celebration highlights the impact Auburn employees have on the University community.
Everyday Recognition
In addition to formal recognition, supervisors and leaders are encouraged to recognize employees regularly—through meaningful feedback, expressions of appreciation, and acknowledgment of contributions both big and small.
Stay Connected and Get Involved
Employee engagement is strongest when employees feel informed and involved. Auburn offers a variety of ways for employees to stay connected, including:
- UHR communications, newsletters and social media
- Auburn News and AUWire
- Departmental initiatives and events
- Campus committees and employee groups
- Professional networks and communities of practice
Engagement opportunities vary by role, department, and career stage, and employees are encouraged to explore the options that best align with their interests and goals.
Feedback Wanted: University Human Resources (UHR) welcomes feedback and ideas that support employee engagement across campus. If you have questions about engagement programs or ideas to enhance the employee experience, we encourage you to connect with UHR.
