Tasmanian State Service Employee Survey (03 Jul 2023)

Dear Colleagues,

In March this year, all Tasmanian State Service (TSS) employees were invited to participate in the TSS Employee Survey 2023 (the survey).

Nearly 10,000 individuals took part this year, resulting in a response rate of 29%. This represents a considerable increase from 2020, and many Agencies returned stronger participation rates. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey, which ran from 7-28 March. Your feedback helps determine the future focus of our people and culture related priorities.

Whole-of-Service results

I am encouraged to see consistent improvement over the 2020 and 2018 survey results. Notably, we have seen an overall increase in positive perceptions across the TSS on workplace behaviours and conditions (71% compared with 68% in 2020). There is also a greater awareness of policies for reporting improper conduct/behaviour and the availability of information/resources to support employees affected by family violence. I am also pleased to report that there has been a positive move in the perception that senior managers exemplify their Agency’s values, and people are feeling more confident in approaching managers to discuss their concerns.

You can access the full TSS Whole-of Service Results and Highlights Report by visiting the DPAC website. Here you will also find a snapshot of the Whole-of Service results, along with some observations on the key areas covered.

In responding to this year’s survey, we commit to the following priority areas and to continuing to strengthen the gains already made. I am aware there are already a number of projects underway in Agencies that support these streams of work.

Building on gains in diversity, equity and inclusion

I am particularly pleased to see continued improvements in the perception that employees from diverse groups are welcomed and supported in the TSS. Survey responses also showed increases in the representation of diverse groups including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of diverse sexual orientation and people living with disability. It’s important that we continue to build on these gains so the TSS workforce continues to evolve to better reflect the community we serve.

Strengthening a culture of safety at work

Whilst there are notable improvements in survey results related to ethics and integrity practices and systems, the percentage of employees reporting that they have experienced workplace bullying (21%) has not significantly decreased over the past five years. I am personally committed to ensuring important work continues to be done by Agencies to address psychosocial hazards at work, including addressing bullying and harassment. This includes awareness of processes to report improper conduct and behaviour and the mechanisms available to support anyone who wants to speak up if they have concerns.

What happens next?

Agency-specific results will be available shortly and your Agency will share these with you, as well as outlining what actions they are planning in response to survey findings.

The Secretaries’ Board has also committed to undertake the TSS Employee Survey annually, which will allow us to track employees’ perceptions and experiences more consistently across the TSS. Agencies can report on their progress against the identified priorities to the Secretaries’ Board, so we can track actions and learnings from this year’s survey, across the State Service.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in the Survey. Your valuable feedback is pivotal to creating a more consistent and an even better working environment for everyone in the Tasmanian State Service.

Best wishes

Jenny Gale
Head of the State Service
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
03 Jul 2023