K12 Insight releases 2020-21 benchmark report on employee engagement

November 4, 2021 – K12 Insight today released its 2020-21 Benchmark Report on District- and School-Level Employee Engagement.

This benchmarking study on employee engagement in schools provides critical insights on the perceptions and experiences of teachers, staff, and administrators regarding engagement, feedback and recognition, professional development, support, and safety and behavior.

“As we enter the third school year since the start of the pandemic, it’s never been more important to understand employee perceptions and experiences at the district and school levels,” K12 Insight Head of Research Jennifer Coisson said. “Between retirements and those leaving the profession due to burnout and frustration, teachers and staff are leaving faster than they can be replaced. School districts that take the time to listen to teachers and staff can make adjustments to positively impact employee quality, retention, and engagement.”

The study, implemented by K12 Insight’s Managed Research team, analyzed employee engagement among in-person, remote, and hybrid employees at 14 school districts across the United States.

Among the participating employees from the school districts analyzed for this report:

• 66% of employees see professional growth and long-term career opportunities in their district
• 76% of employees say they feel their principal/direct supervisors’ actions are consistent with their words, while only half feel their district leaders’ actions are consistent with their words
• Only 42% of employees feel their district leaders clearly explain the reasons behind decisions on district-wide issues
• 56% of in-person employees feel appreciated for their work, while only 39% of remote employees feel appreciated for their work
• 79% of employees strongly agreed or agreed they were provided online or other remote professional development opportunities and/or training to meet the current requirements and expectations of their jobs.
• 73% of participants strongly agreed or agreed that their principal/direct supervisor checks in on them on a regular basis

Education leaders can download the 2020-21 Benchmark Report on District- and School-Level Employee Engagement.

School districts interested in learning more about working with K12 Insight’s education research experts or participating in future benchmarking studies can contact K12 Insight’s Managed Research team.