Thank you to the 472 employees who shared their opinions as part of the Des Moines Register Top Workplaces survey. That’s a nearly 87% response rate, which is incredible! In addition to the standardized response, we also received over 1,600 comments which we are in the process of reviewing for themes. We continue to learn a lot from the data and your responses and appreciate you taking the time to give us your feedback. Below, please find some general themes from this year’s data.
What three words best describe Central Rivers AEA?
- Supportive
- Positive
- Collaborative
Which two statements received the highest scores?
- Growth – My Supervisor helps me learn and grow.
- Values – Central Rivers AEA operates by strong values.
Which two statements received the lowest scores?
- Meetings – Meetings at Central Rivers AEA make good use of my time.*
- Inclusion – I feel included at Central Rivers AEA.
*Note: While our scores are above average when compared to our peers, this continues to be a consistent theme in our feedback.
From the comments in the survey, here are some of our “glows” and “grows.”
Why would you recommend working at Central Rivers AEA?
- The people here are our best resource. Working here is an opportunity to collaborate with some of the best and brightest educators I know. (Administrator)
- It has the best culture of any place I have ever worked. They hire high-quality employees so things are done efficiently and with a positive attitude. I feel like I work with a group of highly qualified and motivated professionals. (Team Rep)
- I think CRAEA offers an opportunity to grow as a professional in a supportive system. I love how they treat employees as people and professionals at the same time. I feel we are treated with great respect (Consultant)
- These past few years, leadership has made an effort to be more visible and transparent. It’s clear that they are working to create a positive, inclusive work environment with a strong culture. (SLP)
Share an example of Central Rivers AEA operating by strong values
- Our agency has embraced work to build a positive culture within the agency. They have provided training and resources to stand behind the strong values of supporting staff well-being, so they, in turn, can support our families and educational partners. (OT)
- Each time I have an evaluation with my supervisor we talk about self-care, and she motivates me to actually take the time to focus on self-care while tying that back to the work we do. I have never worked for a company that cares about its employees this much. Central Rivers talks the talk and walks the walk. My evaluations are targeted at my values and the work I do. It is not a one size fits all approach, I do feel that I am valued and respected at work! (Team Rep)
What makes you hesitate to recommend working at Central Rivers AEA?
- CRAEA does a great job serving kids, families, and teachers but our jobs are VERY HARD! (Early Access Educator)
- Better insurance packages/cheaper family insurance. (Work Experience Coordinator)
What do you dislike about meetings at Central Rivers AEA?
- They frequently don’t pertain to my discipline and don’t allow me to gain knowledge in areas that I want/need to. (SLP)
- Unfortunately, I think we have reached the point of diminishing returns with Zoom. While it has given us the ability to “cover more ground” in terms of meetings, relationships and quality may be starting to suffer a bit. Balancing face-to-face meetings with Zoom is something I’d like to see us consider. (Administrator)
Our data continues to indicate that our culture and climate is very positive, and we are performing well in comparison to our peers. However, we know we do have some opportunities for improvement which we will continue to pursue. Together, we can ensure that Central Rivers AEA stays one of the top places to work in Iowa!