Queensland Health staff report healthier workplace culture

Improvements in workplace culture over the last two years are paying dividends for Queensland Health staff, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said the results of Queensland Health’s Better Workplaces staff opinion survey showed a “marked improvement in workplace culture”.

“This report clearly shows staff are benefiting from the strong commitment to, and momentum of positive change, within Queensland Health,” Mr Robertson said.

“Staff rated their relationships with co-workers as the best thing about working in Queensland Health, and this reveals just how far we’ve come since claims of widespread bullying in the health system in 2005.

“There was also an increase in the number of staff who said they had a good quality of work life, enjoyed peer support and trusted their immediate supervisor – all vital elements in a functional workplace.

“The report demonstrates the Bligh Government’s strong commitment to bringing about cultural change within Queensland Health, following the recommendations made in the Forster Report in 2005.

“As the report notes, and I quote:

“The results of the ‘Better Workplaces’ staff opinion survey showed improvements on almost every measure.

“While only just short of a clean sweep in improvements on all indices, staff clearly recognise the momentum of positive change.

“As always for any organisation, there is room for further improvement, but this should not cloud the many constructive gains made by staff and management working together.

“There is a great deal to be proud of in this report, and we encourage Queensland Health to maintain its fruitful efforts in making Queensland Health an even better place to work.”

Mr Robertson said while the survey results were pleasing, the Bligh Government was committed to further improving workplace culture within Queensland Health.

“Only a minority of staff surveyed said they were looking for jobs, and most of those were seeking career advancement and hoped to stay within Queensland Health – a clear sign that we are on the right track,” he said.

“Importantly, our frontline doctors and nurses reported increases in morale, opportunities for professional growth, participative decision making and supervisor support.

“While things are still not perfect, Queensland Health has made real gains in creating a positive workplace culture, and we will continue to make improvements.”

The staff opinion survey was initiated after the Forster Review raised concerns about the organisational culture in Queensland’s public health system.

“This is the fifth staff opinion survey to be completed since April 2006, and it provides a genuine yardstick to measure cultural change at the grassroots of the organisation,” Mr Robertson said.

“But the reform process within Queensland Health is ongoing.

“Earlier this month the Bligh Government announced a major restructure of Queensland Health to ensure a stronger focus on patient care.

“We’re not going to rest on our laurels – we’re going to work with Queensland Health’s outstanding employees to deliver better health outcomes for Queenslanders.”

A variety of clinical and non-clinical staff from across Queensland provided opinions on a range of cultural health indicators, from equipment availability to freedom from harassment or opportunities for career advancement as part of the survey.

The Better Workplaces report was prepared by researchers from the University of Southern Queensland.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008