Professional Development Programs: Making the Case for Investing in Support-Staff at a Private, Undergraduate Institution

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether support-staff at Concordia College feel valued by the institution and whether they perceive that workplace satisfaction will improve with the creation and implementation of a professional development program. A survey was conducted and responses were analyzed based on comparisons of the mean, frequency, and correlation, as well as an evaluation of written responses. There were no significant differences found between support-staff in academic departments and academic administrative offices in terms of level of satisfaction, feeling valued, or the perceived impact of a professional development program. Overall, support-staff perceived that a professional development program would improve their workplace satisfaction, ability to take on new responsibilities, and retention at the college.