Culture barometer

University of Groningen Update: Strong Support for Recognition and Rewards Programme Goals, but work still to be done

In January 2026, Berenschot carried out the second measurement of the Recognition & Rewards Culture Barometer on behalf of the Recognition & Rewards programme. The Culture Barometer enables knowledge institutions to gauge whether the programme’s ambitions and associated behaviours are recognised, rewarded, and shared on the workfloor. It also maps the extent to which the intended culture change is progressing.

The response rate for the second Recognition & Rewards Culture Barometer in 2026 was 14.1% (compared to a national average of 10.3%). This is significantly lower than in 2024, when the response rate was 24.6%. This decline may be a signal worth noting.

The goals and ambitions of the Recognition & Rewards programme continue to enjoy broad support, both nationally and within the University of Groningen (RUG). However, the Culture Barometer reveals that turning these ambitions into daily practice requires persistence. It demands ongoing commitment from the organisation and its staff. Recognising and appreciating signs of progress proves to be no easy task. Read more...

Results of Recognition & Rewards culture barometer 2024

A special edition of the Erkennen & Waarderen e-magazine discusses the reults of the culture barometer in further detail, including an interpretation of the results and interviews with scientists.