Workplace survey results stay above sector benchmark

Levels of engagement by Police staff continue to remain well above the state sector benchmark, its annual independent workplace survey shows.

General Manager Human Resources, Alan Cassidy, says results from the 2013 New Zealand Police workplace survey show that while staff engagement levels have dipped slightly, from 27.8 percent last year to 24.5 percent this year, the figures remain well above the state sector benchmark of 19.9 percent. Police also has over five percent fewer disengaged staff than the benchmark.

“After a period of impressive growth over the last four years, the slight dip in engagement levels was predicted, given that Police has been going through a period of significant change in a challenging environment,” Mr Cassidy says. “So it’s not unreasonable to expect performance indicators such as these to reflect the sorts of disturbance associated with that."

Almost 75 percent of staff took part in the survey, which he says gives Police confidence that the findings present an accurate picture.

“As we would expect, the survey acknowledges the good work that has been done, while highlighting areas for improvement. While it notes Police is still performing much better relative to 2011 and 2010, among the things we need to do better is to improve communication and involvement, with the results suggesting staff feel less well-informed and less involved in decision-making than other state sector employees.

“Staff have also said that while they believe they're part of an effective workgroup, there is still work to do regarding their perceptions of the wider organisation.

“Police is taking that important feedback on board and we will be tasking our leaders with responding to the challenge. We remain committed to lifting engagement and showing that our people are valued by listening to their ideas and suggestions, involving them in decision-making and keeping them informed through open and honest communication.”

Mr Cassidy says there is much positive news in the 2013 results, which show a strong sense of team spirit and commitment to the organisation, and pride in the positive impact Police has in the community.

“A positive picture emerges of staff feeling able to apply their knowledge and understanding their career opportunities. This is above the state sector average and close to the best workplaces benchmark.

“Additionally, staff commitment remains high. Compared to employees in the wider state sector, Police staff are more likely to feel they work in a high-performance culture where people are held to account. They find their work more meaningful and have a greater sense of achievement.”

Mr Cassidy says the survey remains a “vital health check” for the organisation, providing a crucial source of information for its leadership, and will continue.

ENDS

Media contact: Ross Henderson, ph 04 470 7316, or 027 703 7329.