EMPLOYEES – A Rich Source of Information

Overview

Employee Surveys are a rich source of information for enterprises and with potential to improve the workplace relationships and improve profitability.

Our survey tapped into what employees thought, felt and what should be done to improve the business from a shop floor perspective and provided valuable information to the organisation to review and change practices.

Introduction

ISOL8 Pty Ltd conducted a workplace Safety Culture Survey and provided a report for two agricultural companies based in WA .

This was the first time we had been approached to do this type of work, and we had to consider whether we felt comfortable and competent to provide value to our clients.

Three  factors influenced our decision to proceed.

1. The lead ISOL8 Risk Management Consultant (Mechanical Engineer) had conducted many investigations and WHS audits over + 30 years across a wide range of mining, construction, agricultural , mineral and gas processing  plants where management and workplace culture was noted as a significant influencing factor.
2. We had done extensive WHS auditing and incident investigations for both companies and were very familiar with their workplace workflows and processes.
3. One of the ISOL8 Consultants had an extensive background ( 40 + years) as an educator in WA Primary and Secondary school areas, both as a teacher and a deputy principal, who: 
   • Dealt with and managed student classroom/school yard conflicts, student mental/physical limitations and parents/carers on a daily basis
   • Was familiar with cultures and beliefs arising from parents and children who were immigrants from Asian, Islamic and EU countries.

We discussed the concept of Safety Culture with the first entity CEO , as we believed this was a subset of the Organisational Culture (How we do things around here).

It was agreed that we would conduct an Organisation Culture survey.

Survey Design

The intent of the survey was to gain trust and encourage employees to open up and tell us what they thought.

• One Agricultural Enterprise consisted of several farms with over 50% female employees who originated from  an Asian country, where  English was a common second language .
• One enterprise had recently suffered a workplace fatality.
• The survey questionnaire was based on the context of the organisation and consisted of 35 questions . It was not a “Copy and Paste” document plagiarised from published surveys.
• Over 30% of employees from each farm were interviewed.
• Consultants explained their background to each employee to establish common ground.
• Each employee was individually advised that survey answers were anonymous, and individual names would not be recorded. Employees were asked not to tell the interviewer their name.
• Employees were interviewed individually by one interviewer, no paperwork was required to be completed by the employee. Voice recording was not done.
• The majority of female employees interviewed by the female consultant
• The majority of male employees were interviewed by the male consultant.

• The interviewer asked a series of questions. The employee rated each answer from
  • Strongly Disagree, 
  • Disagree,
  • Neither Agree/Disagree,
  • Agree, Strongly Agree
  •  Not Applicable.

Employees explained their rating. Their answer was recorded in writing.

• Questions were aligned with workplace activities covering
  • Supervision and senior  management
  • Workplace relationships and psychosocial health
  • Health and safety
  • Tasks done by the employee
  • In a few cases the employee was asked to take the consultant into their workplace to provided evidence to support their answers,
  • Final Question – If the employee was given $1 million , how would they spend this money in their workplace?

Data Analysis

• Survey answers were collated and organised in a database for each farm and similar responses grouped.
• Common themes, answers and were noted  and conclusions drawn from the data.
• In one interview,  an extreme case of bullying and harassment was noted – this was reported to the CEO by phone as soon as possible and followed up within 24 hours and  a one on one discussion with the CEO.

Insights

• Employees expressed praise for Management in undertaking the survey and allowing employees to express themselves in a confidential manner.
• Employees said this was the first time that they had been independently asked on their views without revealing their identity.
• Employees were very comfortable with this type of survey, and it should be done on  regular basis.
• The survey successfully tapped into employee thoughts and feelings on their workplace.
  • Several key trends and employee suggestions for improvement were noted in the report . The findings, analysis and recommendations  were presented and discussed with the board of directors.
  • Examination and analysis of employee comments recorded in questionnaires provided the company with detailed information on employee views on internal practices, organisational structures and equipment.
• The report included recommendations and an action plan, aimed at:
  • Improving employee retention & job satisfaction
  • Improving safety
  • Improving equipment reliability and increasing productivity.

• The Million Dollar question produced some surprising and valuable responses;
  • Increasing Employee pay was not a factor.
  • Money  was allocated to address maintenance and  equipment reliability issues
  • Employees were focussed on how to improve workflows and processes, and several suggestions were made to improve productivity.

• The report questions and findings covered:
  • Process Safety.
  • Company  supplied accommodation
  • Maintenance , Safe & Reliable Plant
  • Pay and Bonus
  • Business Improvement & Plant design
  • Communication and Feedback
  • Bullying and Harassment
  • Procedures, Production and Safety
  • Pre-Start & Toolbox Meetings
  • Senior Management
  • Supervisors and Hazard Reporting
  • Training
  • Workload

If you would like a copy of the survey questionnaire – contact Craig Power

craig@isol8.systems  or call 0435 763 832