Recognition & Rewards Maastricht University. Evaluation and Recommendations

This report presents key findings from a Maastricht University (UM) wide survey on the Recognition & Rewards (R&R) policy, aimed at fostering fairer recognition, career paths, progression, and inclusivity. Conducted among academic staff members between June 2023 and October 2024, the survey shows that while awareness of R&R is very high, its perceived impact is largely neutral or unclear. The findings indicate that despite widespread acknowledgment of the importance of R&R’s principles, its execution lacks clarity, consistency, and tangible impact on career progression and recognition practices. Key findings demonstrate largely neutral and negative perceptions across all impact areas: personal development, recognition of work, and promotion prospects. In addition, responses reveal systemic concerns about transparency, increased workload, inconsistent implementation across faculties, and insufficient manager training. This report presents the results of the survey and recommends ways to move towards implementation clarity, assessment transparency, and sustainable organisational change.