2018 Public Service Employee Survey Results by Theme for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada by Question 78. Please indicate your occupational group and level. Occupational group and level - Student

The results of the 2018 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) are presented by key people management themes (i.e., employee engagement, leadership, workforce, workplace). Results are not shown when there is no historical comparison, or when there is an insufficient number of responses.

Note: Due to rounding, percentages may not add to 100. Results have been adjusted for non-response to better represent the target population. Therefore, percentages should not be used to determine the number of respondents within a response category. Positive answers and Negative answers are calculated by removing the "Don't know" and "Not applicable" responses from the total responses.

Table of Contents

Top of Page

Employee engagement

Question 5. I get a sense of satisfaction from my work.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 41 41 8 8 1 1 0 83 9 88
2017 Student 26 51 12 7 4 0 0 77 12 95
2014 Student 20 52 17 5 7 0 0 71 12 42

Question 9. Overall, I feel valued at work.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 57 30 9 2 1 0 0 88 3 89
2017 Student 40 41 11 6 2 0 0 81 8 95

Question 10. I am proud of the work that I do.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 54 26 16 3 1 0 0 80 4 89
2017 Student 42 35 17 5 1 0 0 77 6 95
2014 Student 49 32 14 2 3 0 0 81 5 42

Question 14. Overall, I like my job.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 51 33 11 4 1 0 0 83 6 89
2017 Student 44 41 9 2 3 1 0 86 5 95
2014 Student 34 45 14 2 5 0 0 78 7 42

Question 43. I would recommend my department or agency as a great place to work.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 71 20 6 1 0 2 0 93 1 87
2017 Student 74 13 9 3 1 0 0 87 4 95
2014 Student 61 26 9 2 2 0 0 86 5 42

Question 44. I am satisfied with my department or agency.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 73 18 6 2 0 1 0 92 2 88
2017 Student 62 24 10 2 1 0 1 87 3 94
2014 Student 63 26 11 0 0 0 0 89 0 42

Question 45. I would prefer to remain with my department or agency, even if a comparable job was available elsewhere in the federal public service.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 45 20 17 8 2 5 2 71 11 88
2017 Student 40 23 12 13 3 6 2 69 18 95
2014 Student 29 22 19 16 2 10 2 58 21 42
Top of Page

Leadership

Immediate supervisor

Question 23. I can count on my immediate supervisor to keep his or her promises.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 69 23 6 0 0 1 1 94 0 88
2017 Student 68 24 4 2 1 0 1 93 3 95
2014 Student 63 33 2 0 0 0 2 98 0 42

Question 24. My immediate supervisor keeps me informed about the issues affecting my work.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 67 22 8 1 0 0 1 91 1 89
2017 Student 56 31 4 5 2 0 1 88 7 95
2014 Student 58 28 7 2 5 0 0 86 7 42

Question 26. I am satisfied with the quality of supervision I receive.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 70 22 6 1 0 1 0 93 1 89
2017 Student 70 19 4 4 2 0 0 90 6 95
2014 Student 55 33 7 2 2 0 0 89 5 42

Senior management

Question 29. Senior managers in my department or agency lead by example in ethical behaviour.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 69 20 7 0 1 3 0 92 1 89
2017 Student 58 22 4 0 3 11 1 92 4 95
2014 Student 62 19 5 5 0 7 2 90 5 42

Question 30. I have confidence in the senior management of my department or agency.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 63 25 8 1 1 2 0 90 2 89
2017 Student 56 28 7 2 2 3 1 88 4 95
2014 Student 68 18 5 2 0 7 0 93 2 42

Question 31. Senior management in my department or agency makes effective and timely decisions.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 48 27 11 3 2 8 0 81 6 88
2017 Student 39 20 12 3 4 19 2 75 10 94
2014 Student 45 29 5 9 0 12 0 84 11 42

Question 32. Essential information flows effectively from senior management to staff.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 46 28 15 8 3 0 0 74 11 89
2017 Student 44 25 10 5 5 9 2 77 12 95
2014 Student 38 31 11 12 5 2 0 71 18 42
Top of Page

Workforce

Performance management

Question 6. I receive meaningful recognition for work well done.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 59 23 10 5 2 0 1 83 7 88
2017 Student 48 38 8 4 1 0 1 87 5 94
2014 Student 36 35 5 17 7 0 0 72 24 42

Question 7. I have clear work objectives.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 44 35 11 7 2 0 0 80 9 88
2017 Student 32 38 15 13 2 0 0 70 15 95

Question 19. In my work unit, unsatisfactory employee performance is managed effectively.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 40 17 10 6 5 17 6 74 14 84
2017 Student 18 17 7 3 2 41 11 73 11 95
2014 Student 26 7 8 9 5 45 0 61 25 42

Question 22. I receive useful feedback from my immediate supervisor on my job performance.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 63 29 2 3 0 2 0 94 3 89
2017 Student 50 32 8 6 3 0 0 82 10 95
2014 Student 38 41 5 16 0 0 0 79 16 42

Job fit and development

Question 1. I get the training I need to do my job.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 39 49 6 5 1 0 1 89 6 88
2017 Student 37 45 7 4 5 0 1 83 10 95
2014 Student 30 28 17 19 0 0 5 62 21 42

Question 2. My job is a good fit with my interests.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 44 30 13 10 3 0 0 74 14 88
2017 Student 22 45 14 10 8 0 0 68 18 95
2014 Student 27 40 19 12 2 0 0 67 15 42

Question 3. My job is a good fit with my skills.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 43 39 11 6 1 0 0 82 7 88
2017 Student 27 54 11 4 4 0 0 81 8 95
2014 Student 31 36 10 15 7 0 0 68 22 41

Question 37. My department or agency does a good job of supporting employee career development.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 56 25 8 1 1 9 0 89 2 89
2017 Student 42 31 11 3 1 10 1 83 5 95
2014 Student 28 29 10 12 0 9 12 72 15 42

Question 38. I believe I have opportunities for promotion within my department or agency, given my education, skills and experience.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 52 26 6 7 3 3 3 83 11 89
2017 Student 32 27 9 7 2 9 14 77 12 95
2014 Student 24 26 14 9 5 15 7 63 18 42

Empowerment

Question 11. I have opportunities to provide input into decisions that affect my work.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 47 30 12 6 1 0 3 80 7 89
2017 Student 46 28 13 8 1 2 2 77 10 94
2014 Student 31 39 16 9 2 0 2 71 12 42

Question 12. I am encouraged to be innovative or to take initiative in my work.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 49 31 11 3 2 0 2 83 6 89
2017 Student 46 32 15 6 1 0 0 78 8 94
2014 Student 34 45 12 5 5 0 0 79 9 42

Question 13. I have support at work to provide a high level of service.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 52 33 13 0 1 1 0 85 1 89
2017 Student 48 36 10 4 0 0 1 85 4 95
2014 Student 36 41 7 9 3 2 2 80 12 42

Question 39. I feel I would be supported by my department or agency if I proposed a new idea.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 47 27 15 6 1 4 0 78 7 89
2017 Student 34 41 13 2 1 6 3 83 4 95

Work-life balance and workload

Question 4. I have support at work to balance my work and personal life.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 63 19 9 5 1 2 1 85 6 88
2017 Student 69 19 8 3 0 0 1 88 3 95
2014 Student 62 21 10 5 3 0 0 83 7 42

Question 15. I can complete my assigned workload during my regular working hours.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 66 21 7 3 1 0 1 89 5 89
2017 Student 72 24 2 1 0 1 0 97 1 95
2014 Student 65 26 7 0 0 0 2 93 0 42

Mobility and retention

Question 46. Do you intend to leave your current position in the next two years?

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Not Sure
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 38 21 40 89
2017 Student 37 17 46 95
2014 Student 50 14 36 42

Question 47. Please indicate your reason for leaving.

Survey year Demographic To retire
(%)
To pursue another position within my department or agency
(%)
To pursue a position in another department or agency
(%)
To pursue a position outside the federal public service
(%)
End of my term, casual or student employment
(%)
Other
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 0 0 15 3 82 0 33
2017 Student 0 3 5 6 87 0 36
2014 Student 0 5 14 20 9999 61 21
Top of Page

Workplace

Organizational goals

Question 8. I know how my work contributes to the achievement of my department’s or agency’s goals.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 56 38 4 0 1 0 0 94 1 89
2017 Student 39 42 11 6 0 0 1 82 6 94
2014 Student 34 43 7 12 3 2 0 78 15 42

Question 33. My department or agency does a good job of communicating its vision, mission and goals.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 42 45 7 4 0 2 0 89 5 89
2017 Student 49 38 4 3 1 3 1 91 5 94
2014 Student 24 62 7 0 7 0 0 86 7 42

Organizational performance

Question 16a. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... constantly changing priorities.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 9 13 20 31 20 3 2 55 24 89
2017 Student 2 6 41 20 25 1 4 48 9 94
2014 Student 5 18 19 27 23 2 5 54 25 42

Question 16b. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... lack of stability in my department or agency.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 6 4 16 25 40 7 2 72 11 89
2017 Student 1 1 14 25 39 11 9 80 3 95
2014 Student 0 9 11 32 38 5 5 77 10 42

Question 16c. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... too many approval stages.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 7 8 26 21 25 9 4 53 17 89
2017 Student 7 12 30 8 24 6 12 39 24 95
2014 Student 10 17 21 22 21 3 7 47 29 42

Question 16d. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... unreasonable deadlines.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 1 6 12 35 40 4 1 80 7 89
2017 Student 1 0 7 37 50 1 4 91 1 94
2014 Student 2 0 15 26 50 2 5 82 2 42

Question 16e. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... having to do the same or more work, but with fewer resources.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 3 3 13 27 36 10 7 76 8 89
2017 Student 2 3 8 25 48 2 12 85 6 94
2014 Student 0 5 9 22 40 10 14 81 7 42

Question 16f. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... high staff turnover.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 6 6 13 20 38 10 7 70 14 89
2017 Student 0 3 16 22 34 13 12 74 4 95
2014 Student 3 2 9 21 46 5 14 82 6 42

Question 16g. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... overly complicated or unnecessary business processes.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 4 11 17 17 35 9 7 61 19 89
2017 Student 6 6 21 19 30 10 7 60 15 95
2014 Student 5 9 7 38 22 9 9 73 18 42

Respectful workplace

Question 18. In my work unit, every individual is accepted as an equal member of the team.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 70 15 8 5 1 1 0 86 6 87
2017 Student 71 22 3 2 0 2 0 95 2 94
2014 Student 62 21 2 9 2 2 0 86 12 42

Question 20. In my work unit, individuals behave in a respectful manner.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 74 21 5 0 1 0 0 94 1 87
2017 Student 75 24 1 0 0 0 0 99 0 95
2014 Student 76 19 5 0 0 0 0 95 0 42

Question 21. The people I work with value my ideas and opinions.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 64 23 10 0 0 1 1 89 0 86

Question 40. My department or agency implements activities and practicesthat support a diverse workplace.

A diverse workplace includes everyone, regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, religion, age, language, culture, background, interests, views or other dimensions.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 63 25 3 1 0 5 2 95 1 87
2017 Student 55 28 7 3 0 5 1 89 3 95
2014 Student 56 15 12 15 0 3 0 73 15 42

Question 41. I think that my department or agency respects individual differences (e.g., culture, work styles, ideas).

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 66 20 8 1 1 3 0 89 2 88
2017 Student 66 28 0 3 0 2 0 97 3 95
2014 Student 59 29 3 7 2 0 0 88 9 42

Question 42. Overall, my department or agency treats me with respect.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 78 15 3 1 0 2 0 95 1 88
2017 Student 82 13 3 0 1 0 0 96 1 95
2014 Student 74 22 5 0 0 0 0 95 0 42

Ethical workplace

Question 17. I am satisfied with how interpersonal issues are resolved in my work unit.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 48 21 9 5 1 8 8 82 7 87
2017 Student 47 19 3 1 0 8 21 94 2 95
2014 Student 55 22 7 2 0 9 5 89 3 42

Question 34. If I am faced with an ethical dilemma or a conflict between values in the workplace, I know where I can go for help in resolving the situation.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 45 25 13 7 1 7 2 78 9 88
2017 Student 42 27 6 9 5 9 2 77 16 94
2014 Student 36 31 9 2 5 7 9 81 8 42

Question 35. My department or agency does a good job of promoting values and ethics in the workplace.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 55 30 7 2 2 3 0 88 5 89

Question 36. I feel I can initiate a formal recourse process (e.g., grievance, complaint, appeal) without fear of reprisal.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 38 23 14 3 3 13 7 75 8 88
2017 Student 32 23 7 3 3 19 13 80 9 94
2014 Student 24 22 12 0 7 29 7 71 11 42

Harassment

Harassment is normally a series of incidents, but it can be one severe incident that has a lasting impact on the individual.
Harassment is any improper conduct by an individual that is directed at and offensive to another individual in the workplace, including at any event or any location related to work, and that the individual knew or ought reasonably to have known would cause offence or harm. It comprises objectionable act(s), comment(s) or display(s) that demean, belittle, or cause personal humiliation or embarrassment, and any act of intimidation or threat. It also includes harassment within the meaning of the Canadian Human Rights Act (i.e., based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics [including a requirement to undergo a genetic test, or disclose the results of a genetic test], disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered).

Question 48. Having carefully read the definition of harassment, have you been the victim of harassment on the job in the past 12 months?

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 7 93 89

Question 53. I am satisfied with how matters related to harassment are resolved in my department or agency.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 30 13 12 3 2 25 13 71 9 89
2017 Student 17 17 8 1 3 33 20 73 9 95
2014 Student 19 5 7 5 0 45 19 67 14 42

Question 54. My department or agency works hard to create a workplace that prevents harassment.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 53 16 10 1 1 18 1 85 3 89
2017 Student 35 27 9 3 1 16 9 83 6 95
2014 Student 36 21 5 7 0 29 2 83 10 42

Discrimination

Discrimination means treating someone differently or unfairly because of a personal characteristic or distinction, which, whether intentional or not, has an effect that imposes disadvantages not imposed on others or that withholds or limits access that is given to others. There are 13 prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act (i.e., based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics [including a requirement to undergo a genetic test, or disclose the results of a genetic test], disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered).

Question 60. I am satisfied with how matters related to discrimination are resolved in my department or agency.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 38 6 10 0 0 32 15 81 0 88
2017 Student 26 12 4 4 0 37 17 82 9 95
2014 Student 27 3 5 2 0 40 23 81 6 42

Question 61. My department or agency works hard to create a workplace that prevents discrimination.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 57 15 11 0 0 15 2 86 0 88
2017 Student 43 21 6 3 0 20 6 88 4 95
2014 Student 43 12 9 2 0 23 9 83 3 42
Top of Page

Workplace well-being

A psychologically healthy workplace

Question 25. My immediate supervisor seems to care about me as a person.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 73 20 6 0 1 0 0 93 1 89
2017 Student 73 17 3 3 1 2 0 93 4 95

Question 65. My department or agency does a good job of raising awareness of mental health in the workplace.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 51 24 9 5 1 10 0 84 6 88
2017 Student 21 51 10 6 1 9 1 81 8 95

Question 66. I would describe my workplace as being psychologically healthy.

A psychologically healthy workplace is one that promotes employees’ psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to employee psychological health due to negligent, reckless or intentional acts.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 53 25 15 2 2 2 0 80 5 88
2017 Student 34 44 11 5 1 4 0 82 7 95

Work-related stress

Question 62a. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Pay or other compensation-related issues

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 40 21 17 9 8 1 3 65 18 89
2017 Student 25 28 24 11 9 0 2 54 21 95

Question 62b. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Heavy workload

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 39 35 16 4 4 0 1 75 9 89
2017 Student 55 23 15 4 1 0 2 80 5 95

Question 62c. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Unreasonable deadlines

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 58 27 7 2 2 0 3 88 5 89
2017 Student 64 19 7 5 1 0 3 86 6 95

Question 62d. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Not enough employees to do the work

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 51 22 13 3 8 0 2 75 11 89
2017 Student 50 29 9 7 1 1 3 83 8 95

Question 62e. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Overtime or long work hours

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 74 13 5 0 3 0 6 92 4 88
2017 Student 65 17 3 4 2 1 7 90 7 95

Question 62f. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Balancing work and personal life

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 51 21 17 3 7 0 1 73 10 89
2017 Student 50 22 11 12 2 0 2 74 15 95

Question 62g. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Lack of control or input in decision-making

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 56 20 15 5 1 1 2 79 6 88
2017 Student 52 26 15 5 0 0 2 80 5 95

Question 62h. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Competing or constantly changing priorities

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 47 23 18 3 5 2 2 73 8 88
2017 Student 48 26 16 7 0 0 2 76 7 95

Question 62i. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Lack of clear expectations

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 39 22 24 8 5 1 2 62 13 88
2017 Student 33 26 27 8 3 0 3 61 12 95

Question 62j. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Information overload

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 38 36 11 3 6 3 2 78 10 88
2017 Student 51 22 18 4 1 1 3 76 5 95

Question 62k. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Physical work environment

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 70 11 10 2 1 1 3 86 4 88
2017 Student 75 14 4 4 1 0 2 91 5 95

Question 62l. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Accessibility or accommodation issues

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 80 8 1 1 2 1 7 95 4 88

Question 62m. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Harassment or discrimination

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 82 7 5 1 1 1 3 93 2 88
2017 Student 90 3 2 0 3 0 2 95 3 95

Question 62n. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with my co-worker(s)

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 81 13 3 1 0 0 2 95 1 88
2017 Student 83 9 3 1 2 0 2 94 3 95

Question 62o. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with individuals with authority over me

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 84 10 2 1 0 0 2 97 1 88
2017 Student 79 10 4 1 3 1 2 92 4 95

Question 62p. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with individual(s) working for me

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 76 0 1 0 0 0 23 99 0 88
2017 Student 79 2 2 2 0 0 15 95 2 95

Question 62q. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with other individual(s) (e.g., members of the public, individuals from other departments or agencies)

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 87 1 2 1 1 0 7 95 2 87
2017 Student 84 6 5 0 0 0 5 95 0 95

Question 62r. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Lack of job security

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 59 17 13 5 3 1 2 79 8 87
2017 Student 58 19 9 10 2 0 2 79 13 95

Question 62s. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Personal issues

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 50 25 14 5 5 0 2 77 9 88
2017 Student 59 25 10 5 0 0 1 84 5 94

Question 63. Overall, my level of work-related stress is…

Survey year Demographic Very low
(%)
Low
(%)
Moderate
(%)
High
(%)
Very high
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 29 45 18 7 1 0 0 74 8 89
2017 Student 26 55 17 2 0 0 0 81 2 95

Question 64. After my workday, I feel emotionally drained.

Survey year Demographic Always/ Almost always
(%)
Often
(%)
Sometimes
(%)
Rarely
(%)
Never/ Almost never
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 7 4 28 37 24 0 0 61 11 89
2017 Student 2 12 21 32 32 0 1 64 14 95
Top of Page

Compensation

Pay or other compensation issues

Question 67. To what extent has your pay or other compensation been affected by issues with the Phoenix pay system?

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 41 22 17 10 6 2 2 43 57 88
2017 Student 33 21 16 14 8 4 3 36 64 95

Question 68a. Please indicate which of the following pay or other compensation issues you have experienced: Missing regular pay

Survey year Demographic
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 31 48
2017 Student 48 57

Question 68b. Please indicate which of the following pay or other compensation issues you have experienced: Underpayment of regular pay

Survey year Demographic
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 40 48
2017 Student 71 57

Question 68c. Please indicate which of the following pay or other compensation issues you have experienced: Overpayment of regular pay

Survey year Demographic
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 35 48
2017 Student 29 57

Question 68d. Please indicate which of the following pay or other compensation issues you have experienced: Incorrect or missing acting pay, overtime pay or other related extra duty pay

Survey year Demographic
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 2 48
2017 Student 5 57

Question 68e. Please indicate which of the following pay or other compensation issues you have experienced: Incorrect or missing pay relating to a disability, maternity, or parental leave

Survey year Demographic
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 0 48
2017 Student 2 57

Question 68f. Please indicate which of the following pay or other compensation issues you have experienced: Incorrect or missing retroactive pay

Survey year Demographic
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 10 48

Question 68g. Please indicate which of the following pay or other compensation issues you have experienced: Other

Survey year Demographic
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 38 48
2017 Student 29 57

Question 69. Please estimate the number of hours you have spent, at work or outside of work, attempting to resolve your pay or other compensation issue(s).

Survey year Demographic 0 hours
(%)
1 to 9 hours
(%)
10 to 19 hours
(%)
20 to 29 hours
(%)
30 to 39 hours
(%)
40 hours or more
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 11 67 13 4 0 4 45
2017 Student 4 72 8 7 4 5 57

Question 70. Have all your pay or other compensation issues been resolved?

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 47 53 47

Question 73. To what extent have issues with the Phoenix pay system affected your decision to seek or accept another position (e.g., deployment, promotion, secondment, assignment, acting assignment) within your organization or the federal public service?

Survey year Demographic Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 56 10 9 0 3 1 20 84 4 88

Support to resolve pay or other compensation issues

Question 71. I am satisfied with the support (e.g., regular information, follow-up, making enquiries on my behalf, offering emergency or priority pay) I received from my department or agency to help resolve my pay or other compensation issues.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 31 27 21 2 6 4 8 67 10 48
2017 Student 22 31 14 14 14 0 4 55 30 57

Question 72. I am satisfied with the support I received from the Pay Centre to help resolve my pay or other compensation issues.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Positive answers
(%)
Negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2018 Student 17 23 15 13 17 8 8 48 35 48
2017 Student 7 22 25 13 22 0 11 33 39 57
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