Employee Survey s 2014 Summary Report
2014 Employee Survey s Summary Report SARASOTA COUNTY 2014 EMPLOYEE SURVEY SUMMARY REPORT Background In February, 2014 the Board of County Commissioners identified an employee survey as a major initiative toward the goal of Cultivate an Innovative Organization. In summer, 2014 Human Resources conducted the survey, which gathered responses to questions in five categories: My Career Teamwork Work Culture Supervision Carrying Out Our Mission Survey results will be analyzed and used to: understand employee perceptions of our strengths and opportunities identify priorities to focus process improvement, training, and/or other resources during 2014-2015 Process All County employees were invited to participate. The 25-item survey was launched online, and was available from July 10 through August 4. An email was sent to each employee s work email address inviting them to participate and providing a link to the survey The survey link was posted online Paper copies with pre-addressed return envelopes were available upon request for those with limited access to computers Reminders were provided via the enet home page and ebriefs email messages A total of 835 employees responded approximately a 40% response rate. Highlights of s Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement (or disagreement) with each item on the survey using a 5-point scale (Strongly Disagree = 1, Disagree = 2, Neutral/Neither Agree nor Disagree = 3, Agree = 4, Strongly Agree = 5). 1
2014 Employee Survey s Summary Report : The overall average result for the survey was 3.7. The overall average result by department ranged from 3.5 to 4.1. By Category: The overall average results for each of the five categories ranged from 3.8 to 4.0, except for My Career which averaged 3.2. The range of results by department for each category was fairly narrow, with My Career showing the greatest degree of variation: Category Range of Scores by Department Difference Average My Career 2.9 3.8 0.9 3.2 Teamwork 3.6 4.2 0.6 3.8 Work Culture 3.5 4.1 0.6 3.9 Supervision 3.5 4.2 0.7 3.8 Carrying Out Our Mission 3.7 4.3 0.6 4.0 By : More than 85% of respondents agreed (or strongly agreed) with 5 of the 25 items, including: s: Areas of Strength Percent of Respondents Who Agreed I am determined to give my best effort at work each day. 96.0% I feel proud of the work that I do. 90.4% I understand how my work helps achieve the County s goals. 90.3% I understand the vision and mission of Sarasota County Government. 86.2% Sarasota County Government s work positively impacts people s lives. 85.0% All 15 departmental results were 4.0 or greater for the first two items; and nearly all were 4.0 or greater for the other three items (only 4 exceptions). These results indicate a strong level of pride and dedication to providing excellent public service throughout the organization. Nearly 350 comments were provided by respondents, covering a range of topics. The following representative comments reflect these areas of strength: Very proud of our work and dedication of our teammates. I am proud of how our department gives back to the community. I have a great sense of pride in what I do and know that what I do makes a difference. I love working for Sarasota County and its citizens. I know that my fellow employees and my supervisors are continually looking for ways to improve our service to the community. I love my job here. I like the work that I do, and see the results of what I do to help my department and my co-workers. 2
2014 Employee Survey s Summary Report I think that Sarasota is an employer of choice because there is a lot of involvement with the citizens of the county. That is why I am in the public sector, to hopefully make a difference. There were 5 items with which 50% of respondents or fewer agreed: s: Areas of Opportunity Percent of Respondents Who Agreed I am satisfied with my overall compensation (base pay + insurance benefits + retirement + paid time off). 31.1% I am pleased with the career advancement opportunities available to me. 37.3% County employees willingly accept change. 44.6% I am satisfied with the culture of Sarasota County Government. 47.1% Communication between supervisors and employees is good in Sarasota County Government. 50.6% The following representative comments reflect these areas of opportunity: The private sector is getting stronger so more competitive salary packages are necessary to keep the talent we have and to recruit new hires. Between mandatory FRS contributions of 3%, health insurance premiums increasing last year, and the no raises for multiple years, many of the hard working loyal employees are making less. Compensation should be equitable and deserving advancement should be timely. Promotion and position should be internally first in a fair and consistent manner. Management communication and overall morale has improved greatly over the last year. However, I feel there is room for improvement in succession planning and employee growth management. I would like to see career paths that include specific training and development goals to help guide employees advancement. I don t believe anyone willingly accepts change without input, dialogue and a reasonable explanation. Wages, advancement, slow pace of movement and caution, and staffing levels are the largest demotivating factor. In many ways the county is a great employer but doesn t make up for those. The culture of innovation and exploring new ideas within the organization has dramatically decreased within the last few years. The organization is very risk averse now and misses opportunities because of this. The managers & directors are so busy that there is not enough time to communicate to staff. Sometimes things gets missed since the director communicates sometimes only with managers and sometimes no communication at all. It appears that management has no checks and balances to ensure the group, as a whole, has received the message and is moving forward in the same direction. 3
2014 Employee Survey s Summary Report Only the item regarding compensation scored below 3.0, with an overall average result of 2.7. Approximately one-third of the comments made by respondents addressed compensation. These comments primarily expressed concern over low wages, pay compression, promotional increases and lack of raises in recent years. Several respondents suggested performing a compensation study and/or job audits as a step toward addressing these concerns. Other topics cited in the comments as areas of opportunity include: Career development/advancement opportunities Cliques, favoritism Communication between leaders/staff and between departments Leadership/management/supervision styles, approaches, and/or skills Physical work environment System/process inefficiencies, red tape Workload volume and distribution, being short-staffed These topics likely contributed to respondents overall perceptions of Sarasota County s culture. Demographic Trends Feedback from managers tended to be slightly more positive than that from nonsupervisory employees. However, the range of results was quite narrow (a difference of only 0.1 to 0.4) for four of the five categories. The category of My Career showed a result of 3.7 from management respondents compared with a 3.3 from supervisory respondents and 3.1 from non-supervisory respondents (a difference of 0.6). Category Range of Scores by Role Difference Average My Career 3.1 3.7 0.6 3.2 Teamwork 3.8 4.0 0.2 3.8 Work Culture 3.8 3.9 0.1 3.9 Supervision 3.8 3.9 0.1 3.8 Carrying Out Our Mission 3.9 4.3 0.4 4.0 Responses from employees with 5 or fewer years of service tended to be more positive than those from employees with 10 or more years of service: Years of Service Survey Average 0-2 years 4.0 2-5 years 3.8 5-10 years 3.7 10-15 years 3.6 15+ years 3.7 4
2014 Employee Survey s Summary Report Departmental s Each director will share their departmental results with their employees in the next few weeks. The overall result for each department ranged from 3.5 to 4.1, with an overall average for the organization of 3.7. Conclusion Respondents indicated a strong commitment to serving the public with passion and excellence. By far the most common and significant concern expressed through the survey was dissatisfaction with pay, followed by a desire for increased opportunities for career development and advancement, improved communication, and enhanced work culture. Several initiatives already underway in support of the organization s eight major goals will help to address the identified areas of opportunity, including: Conduct a comprehensive study for job market competitiveness and pay compression Complete succession plan for the organization and develop career planning resources Develop new idea suggestion program Develop and implement organizational dashboard for reporting on goals and strategic performance measures Each of these initiatives is scheduled to be completed within the next 12-24 months. By November 2014, a group of employees from across the organization will be assembled to consider these survey results and help develop additional ideas for how to strengthen communications, and improve satisfaction with the culture of Sarasota County Government. 5
Sarasota County Government 2014 Employee Survey s OVERALL RESULTS REPORT (Number of Responses: 835) My Career 1 I am pleased with the career advancement opportunities available to me. 3.0 2 I am satisfied that I have the opportunities to apply my talents and expertise. 3.5 3 I am satisfied with the investment Sarasota County Government makes in training and education. 3.6 4 I am satisfied with my overall compensation (base pay + insurance benefits + retirement + paid time off). 2.7 Category Average 3.2 Teamwork 5 Employees here always keep going when the going gets tough. 4.0 6 Sarasota County Government employees take the initiative to help other employees when the need arises. 3.9 7 Employees treat each other with respect. 3.7 8 Sarasota County Government is dedicated to diversity and inclusiveness. 3.6 Category Average 3.8 Work Culture 9 I feel proud of the work that I do. 4.4 10 I am determined to give my best effort at work each day. 4.6 11 Sarasota County Government has a safe work environment. 3.9 12 Employees here are willing to take on new tasks as needed. 3.7 13 County employees willingly accept change. 3.3 14 I am satisfied with the culture of Sarasota County Government. 3.3 Category Average 3.9 Page 1 of 2
Sarasota County Government 2014 Employee Survey s OVERALL RESULTS REPORT (Number of Responses: 835) Supervision 15 Communication between supervisors and employees is good in Sarasota County Government. 3.3 16 I feel appreciated by my immediate supervisor. 3.8 17 My supervisor and I have a good working relationship. 4.0 18 My supervisor supports and encourages work/life balance. 4.0 Category Average 3.8 Carrying Out Our Mission 19 Sarasota County Government's work positively impacts people's lives. 4.1 20 I understand the vision and mission of Sarasota County Government. 4.1 21 County employees are committed to demonstrating the values of Sarasota County Government. 3.8 22 I have a general understanding of Sarasota County Government's budget and financial status. 3.7 23 County employees are committed to demonstrating honesty and good character. 4.0 24 I understand how my work helps achieve the County's goals. 4.2 25 I would recommend Sarasota County Government as an "employer of choice" to others seeking employment. 3.8 Category Average 4.0 OVERALL SURVEY AVERAGE 3.7 Page 2 of 2
Sarasota County Government () 2014 Employee Survey s Summary by Roles Number of Responses Non-Supervisory 612 Supervisory 145 Management 78 TOTAL 835 Legend: 5 = Strongly Agree, 4 = Agree, 3 = Neutral/Neither Agree nor Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 1 = Strongly Disagree My Career Non-Supervisory Supervisory Management 1 2 3 I am pleased with the career advancement opportunities available to me. I am satisfied that I have the opportunities to apply my talents and expertise. I am satisfied with the investment Sarasota County Government makes in training and education. 2.9 3.1 3.5 3.0 3.4 3.7 4.0 3.5 3.6 3.6 4.1 3.6 4 I am satisfied with my overall compensation (base pay + insurance benefits + retirement + paid time off). 2.7 2.7 3.1 2.7 Category Average 3.1 3.3 3.7 3.2 Teamwork Non-Supervisory Supervisory Management 5 6 Employees here always keep going when the going gets tough. Sarasota County Government employees take the initiative to help other employees when the need arises 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.0 3.8 4.0 4.1 3.9 7 Employees treat each other with respect. 3.6 3.7 3.9 3.7 8 Sarasota County Government is dedicated to diversity and inclusiveness. 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.6 Category Average 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.8 Work Culture Non-Supervisory Supervisory Management 9 I feel proud of the work that I do. 4.3 4.5 4.4 4.4 10 I am determined to give my best effort at work each day. 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.6 11 Sarasota County Government has a safe work environment. 3.9 4.1 4.0 3.9 12 Employees here are willing to take on new tasks as needed. 3.7 3.8 4.0 3.7 13 County employees willingly accept change. 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.3 14 I am satisfied with the culture of Sarasota County Government. 3.3 3.2 3.4 3.3 Category Average 3.8 3.9 3.9 3.9 Page 1 of 2
Sarasota County Government () 2014 Employee Survey s Summary by Roles Number of Responses Non-Supervisory 612 Supervisory 145 Management 78 TOTAL 835 Legend: 5 = Strongly Agree, 4 = Agree, 3 = Neutral/Neither Agree nor Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 1 = Strongly Disagree Supervision Non-Supervisory Supervisory Management 15 Communication between supervisors and employees is good in Sarasota County Government. 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.3 16 I feel appreciated by my immediate supervisor. 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.8 17 My supervisor and I have a good working relationship. 4.0 4.0 4.1 4.0 18 My supervisor supports and encourages work/life balance. 4.0 4.1 3.9 4.0 Category Average 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.8 Carrying Out Our Mission Non-Supervisory Supervisory Management 19 20 21 22 23 Sarasota County Government's work positively impacts people's lives. I understand the vision and mission of Sarasota County Government. County employees are committed to demonstrating the values of Sarasota County Government. I have a general understanding of Sarasota County Government's budget and financial status. County employees are committed to demonstrating honesty and good character. 4.1 4.2 4.5 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.5 4.1 3.8 3.9 4.1 3.8 3.6 3.8 4.3 3.7 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.0 24 I understand how my work helps achieve the County's goals. 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.2 25 I would recommend Sarasota County Government as an "employer of choice" to others seeking employment. 3.7 3.8 4.2 3.8 Category Average 3.9 4.0 4.3 4.0 OVERALL SURVEY AVERAGE 3.7 3.8 4.0 3.7 Page 2 of 2
Sarasota County Government () 2014 Employee Survey s Summary by Years of Service Number of Responses 0-2 years 151 <5 years 106 5-10 years 168 10-15 years 145 15+ Years 265 TOTAL 835 Legend: 5 = Strongly Agree, 4 = Agree, 3 = Neutral/Neither Agree nor Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 1 = Strongly Disagree My Career 0-2 years <5 years 5-10 years 10-15 years 15+ Years 1 2 3 4 I am pleased with the career advancement opportunities available to me. I am satisfied that I have the opportunities to apply my talents and expertise. I am satisfied with the investment Sarasota County Government makes in training and education. I am satisfied with my overall compensation (base pay + insurance benefits + retirement + paid time off). 3.3 3.3 2.8 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.8 3.7 3.5 3.4 3.4 3.5 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.4 3.6 3.1 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.7 2.7 Category Average 3.5 3.4 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 Teamwork 0-2 years <5 years 5-10 years 10-15 years 15+ Years 5 6 Employees here always keep going when the going gets tough. Sarasota County Government employees take the initiative to help other employees when the need arises 3.9 4.0 4.0 3.9 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.9 3.7 4.0 3.9 7 Employees treat each other with respect. 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.5 3.6 3.7 8 Sarasota County Government is dedicated to diversity and inclusiveness. 3.8 3.8 3.6 3.5 3.6 3.6 Category Average 3.9 3.9 3.8 3.6 3.8 3.8 Work Culture 0-2 years <5 years 5-10 years 10-15 years 15+ Years 9 I feel proud of the work that I do. 4.5 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.4 10 I am determined to give my best effort at work each day. 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.6 11 Sarasota County Government has a safe work environment. 4.1 3.9 4.0 3.8 3.8 3.9 12 Employees here are willing to take on new tasks as needed. 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.8 3.7 13 County employees willingly accept change. 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.4 3.3 14 I am satisfied with the culture of Sarasota County Government. 3.6 3.6 3.3 3.0 3.1 3.3 Category Average 4.0 3.9 3.9 3.7 3.8 3.9 Page 1 of 2
Sarasota County Government () 2014 Employee Survey s Summary by Years of Service Number of Responses 0-2 years 151 <5 years 106 5-10 years 168 10-15 years 145 15+ Years 265 TOTAL 835 Legend: 5 = Strongly Agree, 4 = Agree, 3 = Neutral/Neither Agree nor Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 1 = Strongly Disagree Supervision 0-2 years <5 years 5-10 years 10-15 years 15+ Years 15 Communication between supervisors and employees is good in Sarasota County Government. 3.8 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.3 16 I feel appreciated by my immediate supervisor. 4.3 3.8 3.9 3.7 3.7 3.8 17 My supervisor and I have a good working relationship. 4.3 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.9 4.0 18 My supervisor supports and encourages work/life balance. 4.3 4.0 4.1 3.9 3.9 4.0 Category Average 4.2 3.8 3.8 3.6 3.6 3.8 Carrying Out Our Mission 0-2 years <5 years 5-10 years 10-15 years 15+ Years 19 20 21 22 23 Sarasota County Government's work positively impacts people's lives. I understand the vision and mission of Sarasota County Government. County employees are committed to demonstrating the values of Sarasota County Government. I have a general understanding of Sarasota County Government's budget and financial status. County employees are committed to demonstrating honesty and good character. 4.4 4.2 4.2 3.9 4.1 4.1 4.3 4.2 4.1 3.8 4.0 4.1 4.0 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.8 3.7 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.9 4.0 4.0 24 I understand how my work helps achieve the County's goals. 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.1 4.2 4.2 25 I would recommend Sarasota County Government as an "employer of choice" to others seeking employment. 4.2 4.0 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.8 Category Average 4.1 4.0 3.9 3.8 3.9 4.0 OVERALL SURVEY AVERAGE 4.0 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.7 3.7 Page 2 of 2