Employee Engagement Survey shows positive results

Dec 11 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE results of an extensive employee survey shows that Perth and Kinross Council has a committed and able workforce, members of the council will be told on Wednesday.

A report indicates that the Employment Engagement Survey, carried out in September, was responded to by 3084 members of staff (it was made available to 5973 staff members).

That represented a 52% response rate – significantly higher that the average response rate of 38% for local authority staff surveys.

The results indicated that:

90% of respondents are clear what is expected of them at work.

78% are aware of how their job contributes to council objectives.

High levels of engagement are demonstrated across the council, with 84% agreeing that their colleagues are committed to doing their best.

80% agree that their team is passionate about delivering excellent customer service.

The overwhelming majority of staff (83%) feel that they are treated fairly at work, and 77% agree that they are treated as an individual.

84% of respondents felt there is a good fit between the job they do and their skills.

Council leader, Councillor Ian Miller, said: “Overall the results of this survey were positive, and prove that we have a dedicated and skilled workforce.

“This is something that I already knew from working with officers across the council and so it is good to have it backed up by this report.

“Following the 2008 surveys actions were put in place to address results where agreement levels were lower than 60%. An average 5% improvement has been achieved in the areas targeted for action.

“Given the increase in positive results shown in the latest survey the threshold for action will now be set at 65%.

“This will allow us to take action in several areas highlighted in the survey that still need attention. “