Introducing Inspire HE: University ranking for employee experience

Higher education institutions are well known for shaping the minds of future generations — but what about the experiences of the employees who make that possible? 

With growing recognition of the impact of organisational culture on organisational success, universities are investing more in listening to employees and acting on feedback.

To recognise institutions that are leading the charge in this area, we at People Insight have introduced Inspire HE — a university ranking focused entirely on employee experience.

A new approach to university ranking

Traditional university rankings focus on student satisfaction, research output and academic performance. While these are, of course, important, they all overlook a core factor of university success — how universities treat their employees. 

Inspire HE fills this gap by assessing how institutions actively engage and support their people — by listening to what they say and acting on employee sentiment.

By introducing this university ranking, we aim to:

• Recognise universities that prioritise employee experience
• Provide benchmarks for institutions looking to improve workplace culture
• Encourage a stronger focus on staff wellbeing and engagement

The rankings aim to highlight universities that go beyond policies and actively create environments where employees feel heard, valued and supported.

Why employee experience matters in higher education

A university’s success depends not only on academic performance but also on the experiences of the employees who support students, research and institutional development. When employees feel engaged, valued and supported, they are more likely to stay, contribute meaningfully, and add to the overall reputation of their institution. However, workplace pressures within higher education remain a challenge, with many employees reporting concerns around workload, wellbeing and career progression.

A positive workplace culture leads to better retention, reducing the disruption and cost associated with frequent staff turnover. Employees who feel listened to and empowered tend to be more productive, bringing innovation and enthusiasm to their roles. Their engagement has a direct impact on student experiences, shaping the quality of teaching, pastoral support and research output.

How Inspire HE rankings work

Inspire HE is an annual university ranking based on data collected through employee surveys conducted in partnership with People Insight. Universities are assessed on engagement levels, workplace culture and the actions taken to create a positive environment. To be up for inclusion, HEIs need to be asking certain questions within their higher education staff surveys, specifically designed to measure engagement and workplace experience.

The value of being ranked in Inspire HE

Being featured in the Inspire HE university ranking is a clear sign that a university is one of the best employers in higher education. It shows that an institution listens to its employees, takes action based on feedback and works hard to create a workplace where people feel valued. This kind of recognition strengthens an institution’s reputation, making it easier to attract talented people who want to work in an environment that genuinely supports engagement and wellbeing.

Ranking in Inspire HE also brings greater visibility. People Insight promotes the results through website features, social media and press coverage, giving universities the chance to showcase their achievements on a wider scale. Institutions included in the rankings gain credibility, reinforcing the success of their efforts to improve workplace culture.

The Inspire HE badge, awarded to ranked universities, is a great way to highlight this achievement. Whether displayed on careers pages, recruitment materials or internal communications, it signals to current and future employees that the university is serious about making it a great place to work. 

Encouraging a culture of employee listening

For universities looking to improve workplace culture, the key lies in employee listening. A university ranking based on survey data highlights the importance of gathering feedback, acting on insights, and making meaningful changes.

By participating in engagement surveys, universities can:

• Identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Track progress in workplace culture year on year
• Benchmark against others in the higher education sector

Through Inspire HE, institutions are recognised for their work in these areas. The universities that rank highest are those that not only listen to their employees but also take action to create better workplaces.

To see how your university compares and take steps towards improvement, get in touch to ask about an employee survey with People Insight. A data-driven approach to engagement can help your institution stand out — not just in the rankings, but as a workplace where employees feel able to perform at their best.