Two-thirds (64%) of public sector employees feel more committed to their job than to the actual organisation they work for, according to research by Reward Gateway | Edenred.
Its Public sector engagement report, which surveyed 1,100 public sector employees, also found that 83% of respondents feel engaged with their job or mission, and 70% reported a strong sense of purpose in their role. However, this is under growing strain.
More than half (55%) cited increased workload as the top factor affecting engagement with their organisation, while 45% reported emotional strain or burnout and 43% are dealing with chronic understaffing, which is contributing to increased workloads.
Just under three-quarters (70%) said their performance is self-driven, rather than supported by their employer, and 69% said leaders talk about engagement but do not follow through with action. There is a lack of trust in leaders, with 53% believing they do not act on feedback or survey results.
In order to combat this, respondents wanted to feel seen, supported and genuinely valued. The majority (93%) said feeling appreciated is important and 77% said support and recognition improve performance. Meanwhile, 69% said recognition increases their loyalty and 60% said it helps them manage stress.
Colin Hodgson, commercial director at Reward Gateway | Edenred, said: “Engagement is a critical driver of performance, and it benefits organisations to have an engaged, productive workforce. But our latest survey shows that there is a rift between employees and the businesses they work for, which not only impacts work outputs but also loyalty and retention.
“We are in a worklessness crisis, and organisations are in a position where they can attract, and retain, a productive workforce. It is not costly to make employees feel appreciated, supported and recognised, whether this is through direct feedback, bonuses or workplace benefits. These are no longer nice to have, they are essential measurable contributors to outcomes that matter.”
