Staff survey results positive for Whanganui District Council
Published on 30 November 2018
30 November 2018
Staff at Whanganui District Council are feeling increasingly positive about their workplace, according to a staff survey of Council employees.
The Council’s Human Resources Manager, Catherine Dutton, says 200 staff members answered this year’s annual survey (78% of staff) – compared with 113 the previous year.
“We’re pleased firstly because so many of our staff took the time to engage with the survey,” she says, “but even more because the results are really encouraging.”
Over the whole survey, there was an 8% improvement in perception on the previous year, with positive responses provided to 70% of the 75 questions asked.
Ms Dutton says “We asked our staff to rate statements about their experience at work under 13 survey topics: common purpose, quality and performance focus, communication and cooperation, wellbeing, business unit leadership, the person they report to, their team, their job, learning and development, performance and feedback, reward and recognition, overall perception and taking action.”
Positive responses relating to common purpose jumped more than 20% from the previous year and Ms Dutton says this reflects the Council’s focus on customer service and continuous improvement. “Our staff really care about their community and understand very well that they are working for the customer. It’s evident that this is what drives their sense of purpose.”
“We are thrilled that there has been improvement in every area we surveyed. What we can take from this result is that we do have a deeply committed and engaged workforce and that individuals generally feel valued and heard in the organisation.”
She says, “There is always work to be done and the survey will help us to address any areas that need work and to build on those things we are doing well in.”
Chief Executive, Kym Fell says the annual surveys help drive organisational performance. “We always want to do better and have our workforce as engaged, motivated and effective as they can be.
“Over the last year we have prioritised culture change initiatives at Whanganui District Council. These include rewarding and recognising our staff, improving internal communications, celebrating success and supporting learning and development across the organisation.
“We are only as good as our people, so it’s important to have an excellent staff culture – and check in on a regular basis to make sure we’re getting it right.”
ENDS