Skip to Content
Department of Premier and Cabinet

Divisions

Contact Details

By phone
Find the number of a specific division or office to contact them directly or call Service Tasmania on 1300 135 513.

Our staff
Use the Tasmanian Government Directory to find staff contact details

Social media
Follow our social media accounts to keep up to date with specific programs and initiatives.

2020 Employee Survey - Full Results

State Service Employee Survey

Whole-of-service Results

The 2020 State Service Employee Survey (the Survey) was conducted
from 10 to 31 March.

The Survey provides all employees and officers with the opportunity to
share their perceptions of what it is like to work with the Tasmanian State
Service (TSS), and provide feedback on what they value as employees.
As in previous years, the 2020 Survey asked questions about a range of topics, including:

  • diversity;
  • employee engagement;
  • workplace health, safety and wellbeing;
  • job satisfaction; and
  • team work.

A full copy of the whole-of-service level results can be viewed on this webpage, or downloaded in PDF format - 2020 Whole-of-service Employee Survey results. (PDF 125 KB)

Unless otherwise noted, all results are shown as a percentage (%) and based on a sample size of 6,612 respondents.

Summary Indices

The following table shows the analysis of groups of questions that relate to wellbeing, diversity, job satisfaction, and engagement. These indices provide us with an overview of employee perceptions in these areas using a mean (average) index score, and help us see if we are providing a safe, diverse, and rewarding working environment. The number shown represents the overall percentage agreement for each question group, this is calculated by combining the results for ‘Strongly Agree’ and ‘Agree’.

Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Overall Satisfaction (Constructed based on Q21a-b) 67 67
Agency Engagement (Constructed based on Q20a-e) 65 65
Wellbeing (Constructed based on Q22a-f, Q27) 65 64
Workplace Diversity (Constructed based on Q18a-d, Q19a-f) 73 72

Workforce Demographics and Information

Questions in this section are collated from two separate sections of the Survey and the removal of questions due to it being an interim Survey will result in gaps in the question numbering.

1. Where is your workplace located?
  Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
West Coast 1 1
North West 16 16
North 21 21
South 58 58
South East 5 4
Outside Tasmania 0 0
2. Do you work full-time or part-time?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Full-time 66 68
Part-time 34 32
3. What is your current employment status?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Permanent (Ongoing) 85 84
Fixed-term 12 13
Casual 2 2
Sessional 0 0
Executive contract 1 1
Don't know 0 0
4. What is your gross annual salary before tax?

This question was only asked of respondents who were not working on a casual or sessional basis. Sample size 6,446.

Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Less than $35,000 4 4
$35,000 - $44,999 4 4
$45,000 - $54,999 6 8
$55,000 - $64,999 14 15
$65,000 - $74,999 13 12
$75,000 - $84,999 12 13
$85,000 - $94,999 13 13
$95,000 - $104,999 16 14
$105,000 - $114,999 8 7
$115,000 - $124,999 3 4
$125,000 - $134,999 2 2
$135,000 - $144,999 1 1
$145,000+ 2 3
5. Which one of the following best describes the area you work in or the type of work you do?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Policy 4 4
Research 1 1
Program/project design and/or management 6 6
Frontline service delivery involving direct contact with the general public 48 48
Supporting service delivery work 5 4
Exercising regulatory authority 5 5
Legal 1 1
Corporate services 13 13
Administrative support/clerical 10 11
Scientific/Technical 7 7
Other 1 1
6. Are you the manager of one or more employees?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 20 22
No 80 78
7. How many years have you been employed in your current agency?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Less than 2 years 17 17
2-5 years 24 21
6-10 years 17 20
11-15 years 15 16
16-20 years 12 10
21 years or more 16 16
8. How many years have you worked in the Tasmanian State Service?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Less than 2 years 12 12
2-5 years 20 17
6-10 years 16 18
11-15 years 17 18
16-20 years 13 12
21 years or more 22 22
9. You see your future employment/career in the next three years...
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Continuing in my current role/agency 65 64
Continuing in the Tasmanian State Service in a different role 16 16
In the private sector 3 4
In the community/non-government sector 1 1
Ceasing paid work - returning to study, personal or family reasons 1 1
Ceasing paid work - retirement 5 5
Don't know 9 10
10. If you plan to leave, what major factors are influencing your decision?

This question was only asked of respondents who saw their future employment/ career in the next three years in the private sector or in the community/ non-government sector. Sample size 299.

Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Opportunity to broaden experience 14 11
To seek/take a promotion elsewhere 4 5
Lack of flexible work arrangements for managing 5 7
Desire to relocate interstate or overseas 7 7
Better location/reduce travel time 2 2
Limited opportunities to gain further experience at my agency 19 17
My interests do not match my job role 11 6
My workload is excessive 21 29
Lack of future career opportunities at my agency 27 30
A lack of recognition for doing a good job 27 28
For better remuneration 14 11
Poor relationship with my supervisor 9 11
End of contract/secondment 8 6
Other 13 14
52. What is your gender?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Male 30 30
Female 67 68
Other/ Prefer not to say 3 3
53. Do you identify as a member of the LGBTIQ community?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 4 3
No 93 93
Prefer not to say 3 3
54. What is your age?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
15-24 years 2 3
25-34 years 14 14
35-44 years 23 23
45-54 years 32 33
55-64 years 26 25
65+ years 3 3
55. Where were you born?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Born in Australia 87 87
Born overseas in a mainly English speaking country 8 8
Born overseas in other country 5 5
Don't know 0 0
56. Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 3 3
No / Prefer not to say 97 97
57. Have you informed your agency that you are a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?

This question was only asked of respondents who were Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander. Sample size 210.

Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 60 54
No 26 27
Not sure 14 19
59. Do you have any sort of disability that restricts you in performing everyday activities and which is long-term (lasting six months or more)?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 6 6
No 94 94
60. Have you informed your agency that you have an ongoing disability?

This question was only asked of respondents who indicated they had a disability that restricts them in performing everyday activities and was long-term. Sample size 403.

Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 81 76
No 12 18
Not sure 6 5
62. Do you have a workplace adjustment in place to assist you to do your job?

This question was only asked of respondents who indicated they had a disability that restricts them in performing everyday activities and was long-term. Sample size 403.

Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 41 43
No 59 57
63. Are you a primary care giver for a child/children or an adult/adults?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes, I am the primary care giver 17 18
Yes, I share the primary care giver role 25 25
No 58 57
64. Do you provide daily care for a person with a disability or chronic illness?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes - for a child or children 4 4
Yes - for an adult or adults 6 6
Yes - for a child/children and an adult/adults 1 1
No 90 89
65. What is the highest level of formal education you have successfully completed?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Doctoral Degree level 3 2
Master Degree level 12 11
Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate level 17 17
Bachelor Degree level including honours degrees 29 30
Advanced Diploma or Diploma level 13 13
Certificate level, including trade 15 15
Year 12 or equivalent (VCE/Leaving certificate) 5 6
Less than year 12 or equivalent 7 7
66. Are you proficient in another language besides English?
Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
Yes 9 8
No 91 92
67. If yes, which language?

This question was only asked of respondents who indicated they were proficient in another language besides English. Sample size 587.

Whole-of-TSS Results 2020 Whole-of-TSS Results 2018
French 16 18
Italian 6 7
Cantonese 4 2
Mandarin 7 7
German 14 17
Other 69 65

Workplace Behaviours

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the following statements. The following shows a comparison of 2018 and 2020 results, with 2020 results expanded to show each response category.

11. People and their jobs.
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly Disagree
a.  I believe the work that I do is important93935539511
b.  My job allows me to use my skills, knowledge and abilities84833351862
c.  I receive adequate recognition for my contributions and accomplishments5552144122167
d.  I feel I make a contribution to achieving the agency's objectives88853652831
12. Workgroups
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  My workgroup strives to achieve client/customer satisfaction888645438310
b.  People in my workgroup treat each other with respect7775344312830
c.  I receive help and support from other people in my workgroup8482374710520
13. Managers/Supervisors
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  My manager keeps me informed about what's going on69673138131160
b.  I would be confident in approaching my manager to discuss concerns and grievances7675413410960
c.  My manager encourages behaviours that are consistent with my agency's values8079404012530
d.  My manager treats employees with dignity and respect7978423711640
e.  My manager encourages people in my workgroup to monitor and improve the quality of what we do7674364114730
f.  My manager expects a high standard of ethical behaviour858546399321
14. Senior Managers
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  Senior managers provide clear strategy and direction53501835201494
b.  Senior managers model my agency's values57542136201176
15. Agency
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  In my agency, earning and sustaining a high level of public trust is seen as important8281354712322
b.  My agency has policies in place to report improper conduct and behaviour7575215412526
c.  Bullying is not tolerated in my agency62602538161372
d.  In my agency, there are clear procedures and processes for resolving grievances6463164718946
e.  I am confident that I would be protected from reprisal for reporting improper conduct48471434211587
f.  In my agency, there are procedures and systems in place to assist employees in avoiding conflicts of interest6967195015637

Workplace Diversity

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the following statements. The following shows a comparison of 2018 and 2020 results, with 2020 results expanded to show each response category.

18.
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  In my agency all staff are treated fairly and with respect65642342151352
b.  My agency fosters an inclusive work environment7573274815621
c.  My manager/supervisor has a positive attitude towards employees with diverse backgrounds8078374311324
d.  The people in my work group and colleagues have a positive attitude towards employees with diverse backgrounds8180334812422
19.
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  Gender is not a barrier to success in my agency7372304314733
b.  Employees from different cultural backgrounds are welcomed and supported in my agency7574264915317
c.  There is a positive attitude within my agency in relation to employees who identify as members of the LGBTIQ community63602340182115
d.  Employees with disability are welcomed and supported in my agency55551937225216
e.  Age is not a barrier to success in my agency6766244316935
f.  Employees of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin are welcomed and supported in my agency65652441162116
g.  My agency supports employees who have caring responsibilities7573264813525
h.  There is a positive attitude in my agency in relation to employees who use flexible work practices or work part-time66662442161143

Engagement and Job Satisfaction

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the following statements. The following shows a comparison of 2018 and 2020 results, with 2020 results expanded to show each response category.

20.
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly Disagree
a.  I would recommend my agency as a good place to work6363204321105
b.  I am proud to tell others I work for my agency696926432173
c.  I feel a strong personal attachment to my agency6160223923115
d.  My agency motivates me to help achieve its objectives5654173925145
e.  My agency inspires me to do the best in my job5856193924135
21.
Total Satisfaction (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Very SatisfiedSatisfiedNeither Satisfied nor DissatisfiedDissatisfiedVery Dissatisfied
a.  Considering everything, how satisfied are you with your current job?6869244415125
b.  Considering everything, how would you rate your overall satisfaction with your agency as an employer?6664214517125

Work Experiences and Organisational Support

WORK & WELLBEING

22. Support from your agency: Please indicate the extent of your agreement with the following statements in the last 12 months.
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  My agency provides a safe work environment7577235214830
b.  My agency encourages and supports employees to have a good work/life balance61591942201261
c.  I am able to effectively manage my workload65651748141560
d.  Work health and safety is discussed at regular workgroup meetings58551841161762
e.  I have received instruction/training appropriate to my role to address WH&S hazards, incidents and injuries in accordance with my agency's policies73732152131030
f.  I have both the opportunities and resources at work to support my health and wellbeing61601644191451
23. Do you currently have direct team managerial/supervisory responsibility for any employee(s)?
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes2629
No7370
Don't know22
24. Please indicate the extent of your agreement with the following statements:

This question was only asked of respondents who currently had direct team managerial/ supervisory responsibility for any employee(s). Sample size 1,696.

Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  My agency provides me with appropriate training and guidance to manage employees52541142231851
b.  My agency has good procedures in place to support managers/supervisors51511041241852
27. Based on your personal experience, please indicate the extent of your agreement with the following statement:
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  I am able to manage my work and personal issues in a way that doesn't impact on my stress levels56571244181970
29.  Considering your work and life priorities, how satisfied are you with the work/life balance in your current job?
Total Satisfaction (%)2020 Results (%)
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018		Very SatisfiedSatisfiedNeither Satisfied nor DissatisfiedDissatisfiedVery Dissatisfied
6057154520146
31. Are you currently using flexible working arrangements, such as changes to your work location, work hours or pattern of work?
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes3436
No6664
34. In the past 12 months, has your current workgroup been directly affected by significant workplace change?
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes4953
No5147
35. Please indicate the extent of your agreement with the following statement:

This question was only asked of respondents whose current workgroup had been directly affected by significant workplace change in the last 12 months. Sample size 3,226.

Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly DisagreeDon't know
a.  Significant change is managed well in my agency26264212429201

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

36. Please indicate the extent of your agreement with the following statements:
Total Agreement (%)2020 Results (%)
 Whole-of-TSS Results 2020Whole-of-TSS Results 2018Strongly AgreeAgreeNeither Agree nor DisagreeDisagreeStrongly Disagree
a.  My manager encourages and supports my participation in learning and development opportunities717024471784
b.  Working in the agency provides me with the opportunity to maintain or increase my professional knowledge and skills6566174819115
37. In the last 12 months, have you discussed your learning and development needs with your manager/supervisor? This includes formal and informal discussions.
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes7881
No2219
38.  How satisfied are you with the learning and development opportunities in your agency?
Total Satisfaction (%)2020 Results (%)
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018		Very SatisfiedSatisfiedNeither Satisfied nor DissatisfiedDissatisfiedVery DissatisfiedDon't know
52531438251571

PERFORMANCE

39. How often do you have conversations with your manager/supervisor about your work performance?
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
At least monthly2018
Around 3 monthly1212
Around 6 monthly1719
Yearly or about yearly2427
Infrequently1615
Not at all99
Don't know22
41. Do these meetings help you to identify your work priorities and training and development needs?

This question was only asked of respondents who had conversations with their manager/supervisor about their work performance. Sample size 5,902.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes7073
No2119
Don't know108

WORKPLACE CONDUCT & BEHAVIOUR

42. Have you personally experienced workplace bullying at work in the last 12 months?
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes2123
No7473
Unsure54
43. Thinking about when you experienced bullying at work, who were you bullied by?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced workplace bullying in the last 12 months. Sample size 1,395.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
A senior manager2527
Your immediate manager/supervisor3030
A fellow worker4543
A group of fellow workers1413
A person that reports to you67
A client/customer109
A member of the public67
Prefer not to say56
44. What types of bullying did you experience?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced workplace bullying in the last 12 months. Sample size 1,395.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Verbal abuse3938
Exclusion/isolation4649
Psychological harassment3940
Intimidation5455
Being assigned meaningless tasks unrelated to the job1614
Given impossible assignments1010
Deliberately changing work rosters to inconvenience you77
Deliberately withholding information vital to your effective work performance3131
Other106
Prefer not to say33
45. Did you report the bullying?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced workplace bullying in the last 12 months. Sample size 1,395.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes3939
No6161
46. Why didn't you report the bullying?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced workplace bullying in the last 12 months and did not report the bullying. Sample size 852.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
I did not want to upset relationships in the workplace4038
I did not have enough evidence2221
It could affect my career3836
I did not think any action would be taken5853
The matter was resolved informally88
I did not think the bullying was serious enough1518
Managers accepted the behaviour3333
I did not think it was worth the hassle of going through the report process3736
I did not know how to report it89
Prefer not to say34
Other107
47. Have you personally experienced sexual harassment at work in the last 12 months?
Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes22
No9898
Unsure00
48. Thinking about when you experienced sexual harassment at work, who were you sexually harassed by?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced sexual harassment at work in the last 12 months. Sample size 129.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
A senior manager1212
Your immediate manager/supervisor67
A fellow worker4743
A group of fellow workers56
A person that reports to you24
A client/customer3522
A member of the public139
A consultant/service provider13
A representative of another agency02
Other11
Prefer not to say57
49. What type of sexual harassment did you experience?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced sexual harassment at work in the last 12 months. Sample size 129.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Physical behaviour2931
Verbal abuse7366
Initiations or pranks169
Interference with your personal property or work equipment53
Inappropriate and unfair application of work policies or rules74
Cyber harassment810
Prefer not to say79
Other23
50. Did you report the sexual harassment?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced sexual harassment at work in the last 12 months. Sample size 129.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Yes2226
No7874
51. Why didn't you report the sexual harassment?

This question was only asked of respondents who personally experienced sexual harassment at work in the last 12 months and did not report it. Sample size 100.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
I did not want to upset relationships in the workplace3036
I did not have enough evidence1921
It could affect my career2728
I did not think any action would be taken5349
The matter was resolved informally1516
I did not think the sexual harassment was serious enough2440
Managers accepted the behaviour2518
I did not think it was worth the hassle of going through the report process4334
I did not know how to report it128
Prefer not to say41
Other66

Rewards and Support

The following two questions were optional, and aimed to capture what employees found to be the most rewarding thing about their work, and what they thought could be improved on.

68. What are the three most rewarding things about working in your agency that helps you to do your best in your job?

Respondents could provide up to three responses to this question, and therefore the percentages reported above may not sum to 100%. Sample size 6,567.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Serving the Tasmanian community and making a difference to it4645
Working in a good team environment4747
Having varied job roles1719
Job Security3732
Using the skills I have3638
Being able to access learning and development opportunities78
The range of people with whom I work2426
Having a good manager2018
The level of salary1110
Leave entitlements88
Flexible work1413
Work-life balance1717
Other33
69. To support your workplace, in what areas would you like to see improvements?

Respondents could provide up to three responses to this question, and therefore the percentages reported above may not sum to 100%. Sample size 6,399.

Whole-of-TSS
Results 2020		Whole-of-TSS
Results 2018
Teamwork/team relationships2627
Training and development opportunities3836
Work-life balance/flexible work provisions2828
Communication on organisational objectives/activities2827
Management/leadership3334
Work health safety and wellbeing training and awareness109
Recognition/rewards2325
Remuneration2227
Focus on positive work behaviours/cultures3231
Other87

About the Survey

The Department of Premier and Cabinet's (DPAC) State Service Management Office (SSMO) coordinates the Survey across all agencies. The Survey is provided by Orima Research Pty Ltd. The Survey asks all TSS employees and officers about their work and work environment and is conducted on a voluntary basis.

Responses to the Survey are collected, stored and analysed using methods that ensure anonymity and confidentiality, as required under the State Service Act 2000 and the Personal Information Protection Act 2004. For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.