2019 Public Service Employee Survey Results by Theme for National Research Council Canada by Question 94. Please indicate your occupational group and level. Occupational group and level - SE

The results of the 2019 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 7. 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
2011 SE 44 44 6 6 0 0 0 88 6 16

Question 12. 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
2011 SE 81 19 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 16

Question 16. 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
2011 SE 50 44 0 6 0 0 0 94 6 16

Question 51. 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
2011 SE 25 38 19 6 13 0 0 63 19 16

Question 52. 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
2011 SE 25 31 19 6 13 6 0 60 20 16

Question 53. 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
2011 SE 25 25 6 25 6 13 0 57 36 16
Top of Page

Leadership

Immediate supervisor

Question 26. 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
2011 SE 38 31 19 13 0 0 0 69 13 16

Question 27. 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
2011 SE 25 38 19 6 6 0 6 67 13 16

Senior management

Question 34. 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
2011 SE 13 25 25 0 13 25 0 50 17 16

Question 35. 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
2011 SE 6 31 31 0 25 6 0 40 27 16

Question 36. 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
2011 SE 6 13 38 13 19 13 0 21 36 16

Question 37. 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
2011 SE 0 25 31 25 13 6 0 27 40 16
Top of Page

Workforce

Performance management

Question 8. 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
2011 SE 31 31 13 19 6 0 0 63 25 16

Question 25. 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
2011 SE 38 31 13 13 6 0 0 69 19 16

Job fit and development

Question 4. 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
2011 SE 25 19 6 13 6 6 25 64 27 16

Question 44. 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
2011 SE 19 13 19 13 25 13 0 36 43 16

Question 45. 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
2011 SE 13 19 13 6 31 0 19 38 46 16

Empowerment

Question 13. 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
2011 SE 31 31 13 13 13 0 0 63 25 16

Question 15. 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
2011 SE 38 31 25 0 6 0 0 69 6 16

Work-life balance and workload

Question 6. 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
2011 SE 31 31 6 19 0 6 6 71 21 16

Question 17. 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
2011 SE 0 31 25 31 13 0 0 31 44 16

Question 29. Subject to operational requirements, my immediate supervisor supports the use of flexible work arrangements (e.g., flexible hours, compressed workweeks, telework).

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
2011 SE 25 19 13 6 0 19 19 70 10 16

Mobility and retention

Question 54. Do you intend to leave your current position in the next two years?

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Not sure
(%)
Total responses
2011 SE 25 31 44 16
Top of Page

Workplace

Organizational goals

Question 10. 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
2011 SE 44 31 6 13 0 6 0 80 13 16

Question 39. 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
2011 SE 19 50 6 13 13 0 0 69 25 16

Organizational performance

Question 18a. 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
2011 SE 0 44 31 13 6 0 6 20 47 16

Question 18b. 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
2011 SE 25 6 31 19 13 6 0 33 33 16

Question 18c. 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
2011 SE 13 25 25 19 13 6 0 33 40 16

Question 18d. 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
2011 SE 6 13 38 25 19 0 0 44 19 16

Question 18e. 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
2011 SE 6 38 31 6 19 0 0 25 44 16

Question 18f. 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
2011 SE 6 6 44 19 13 0 13 36 14 16

Respectful workplace

Question 48. 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
2011 SE 31 25 0 13 6 25 0 75 25 16

Question 50. 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
2011 SE 38 38 0 6 19 0 0 75 25 16

Ethical workplace

Question 41. 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
2011 SE 13 31 6 13 13 13 13 58 33 16

Question 43. 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
2011 SE 6 31 6 6 13 31 6 60 30 16

Physical environment and equipment

Question 1. I have the materials and equipment 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
2011 SE 31 56 6 6 0 0 0 88 6 16

Question 3. My physical environment (e.g., office, workspace) is suitable for my job requirements.

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
2011 SE 56 31 13 0 0 0 0 88 0 16

Use of official languages

Question 2. When I prepare written materials, including emails, I feel free to use the official language of my choice.

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
2011 SE 56 0 19 13 6 6 0 60 20 16

Question 19. During meetings in my work unit, I feel free to use the official language of my choice.

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
2011 SE 44 13 25 0 13 0 6 60 13 16

Question 28. When I communicate with my immediate supervisor, I feel free to use the official language of my choice.

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
2011 SE 63 6 19 0 6 0 6 73 7 16

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 65. 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
2011 SE 38 25 13 0 0 25 0 83 0 16

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 73. 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
2011 SE 27 40 13 0 0 13 7 83 0 15
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