Actions and results from the Queensland Health 'Better Workplaces' staff opinion survey

Abstract

In April 2006, the Workplace Culture and Leadership Centre (the Centre) from Queensland Health launched the “Better Workplaces” initiative. The objective was to improve workplace culture and increase the capabilities of its leaders. A comprehensive program of leadership development complemented the workplace culture improvement strategy. As part of the initiative, the Centre launched a series of staff opinion surveys to monitor workplace culture improvement over time. To ensure the survey process was action oriented, the Workplace Culture Team developed a companion process ensuring the results were acted upon and tangible improvements were realised. This resulted in a comprehensive and robust process involving the development and implementation of action plans in every district and division in Queensland Health. ...Given that the key objectives of the “Better Workplaces” staff opinion survey initiative were to listen to staff and develop and drive action plans with each district and division in order to create a climate of trust, respect and innovation, it could be said that to date the initiative has been a success. The second survey cycle results indicate improvement in all areas measured by the survey.