2020 Public Service Employee Survey Results by Theme for the Public Service by Question 106. Please indicate your occupational group and level. Occupational group and level - DE

The results of the 2020 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. The results for "Most positive or least negative answers" and "Least positive and most 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

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 46 32 7 10 4 0 0 79 15 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 87 13 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 69 20 0 0 4 0 6 95 5 18

Question 50. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 34 41 4 10 4 0 6 80 15 18

Question 51. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 25 50 4 10 4 6 0 80 15 18

Question 52. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 37 27 4 21 10 0 0 64 32 18
Top of page

Leadership

Immediate supervisor

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 18 61 0 10 11 0 0 79 21 18

Question 30. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 31 41 17 4 0 0 6 77 5 18

Senior management

Question 31. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 35 46 0 15 4 0 0 81 19 18

Question 32. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 34 20 20 15 11 0 0 54 26 18

Question 33. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 29 27 19 25 0 0 0 57 25 18

Question 34. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 27 30 16 15 7 6 0 60 23 18
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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 24 39 11 17 4 0 4 66 22 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 18 50 10 15 7 0 0 68 21 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 29 36 0 24 10 0 0 66 34 18

Question 41. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 29 38 11 4 17 0 0 67 21 18

Question 42. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 13 4 16 16 28 0 22 22 57 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 27 27 14 22 4 0 6 57 28 18

Question 14. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 29 33 13 14 4 0 6 66 20 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 41 25 7 22 0 0 6 70 23 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 38 27 7 16 11 0 0 66 27 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 36 34 30 0 0 0 0 70 0 18

Mobility and retention

Question 53. Do you intend to leave your current position in the next two years?

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Not sure
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 15 67 18 18
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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 44 35 11 10 0 0 0 79 10 18

Question 36. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 25 48 4 17 0 0 6 77 18 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 14 13 31 32 4 0 4 39 29 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 4 23 9 30 17 7 9 56 33 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 4 37 14 19 4 6 16 30 52 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 10 12 32 19 16 7 4 40 25 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 23 20 20 16 9 0 11 28 49 18

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 15 11 29 37 0 0 9 40 28 18

Question 18g. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 4 21 35 20 9 0 10 33 28 18

Diversity and inclusion

Question 20. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 31 50 0 14 4 0 0 81 19 18

Question 21. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 29 50 0 0 15 0 6 85 15 18

Question 45. I think that my department or agency respects individual differences (e.g., culture, work styles, ideas, abilities).

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 43 40 0 13 0 4 0 86 14 18

Question 46. My department or agency implements activities and practices that 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 57 23 0 15 6 0 0 80 20 18

Question 49. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 41 39 6 15 0 0 0 80 15 18

Ethical workplace

Question 19. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 18 36 17 20 9 0 0 54 29 18

Question 38. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 29 47 10 4 4 0 4 80 9 18

Question 40. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 11 30 15 14 11 9 9 51 31 18

Physical environment and equipment

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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 34 28 11 16 11 0 0 61 27 18

Question 5. I have the information, training and equipment I need to ensure my health and safety at work.

Survey year Demographic Strongly agree
(%)
Somewhat agree
(%)
Neither agree nor disagree
(%)
Somewhat disagree
(%)
Strongly disagree
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 50 33 7 0 10 0 0 83 10 18

Use of official languages

Question 2. The material and tools provided for my work, including software and other automated tools, are available in 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 52 43 0 0 4 0 0 96 4 18

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 60. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 27 27 23 0 4 9 9 66 5 18

Question 61. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 35 36 4 7 4 4 9 82 13 18

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 67. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 29 23 24 0 10 9 4 60 12 18

Question 68. 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
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 45 29 7 0 4 15 0 87 5 18

Duty to accommodate

The duty to accommodate refers to the employer’s obligation to eliminate disadvantages to employees, prospective employees or clients that result from a rule, practice or physical barrier that has or that may have an adverse impact on individuals or groups protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act or identified as a designated group under the Employment Equity Act. It applies to all grounds of discrimination covered by the Canadian Human Rights Act (i.e., race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy and childbirth), 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). Employers must provide accommodation up to the point of undue hardship, taking into account essential job requirements.

Please note that the questions about duty to accommodate do not apply to employees who asked for office equipment to work remotely, unless their requests pertain to specific accommodation measures that help to reduce barriers to work, as per the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Question 88. Having carefully read the definition of duty to accommodate, have you requested workplace accommodation measures in the last two years?

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2014 DE 37 63 17
Date modified: