As an employer, the Halifax Regional Municipality is committed to ensuring a positive and fulfilling work culture for our employees. One of the means we use to accomplish this is by assessing employee engagement.
Employee engagement goes beyond simply measuring job satisfaction. It’s all of the key elements that impact performance on a daily basis and an employees’ desire to grow with our organization.
Employee engagement has long been linked to workplace culture, efficiency and organizational results, and is credited with having a positive impact on customer service, teamwork and productivity. When employees are engaged, they feel committed to organizational successes and passionate about the work they are doing on behalf of our citizens, while taking personal responsibility to promote the development and progress of our organization as a whole.
Resources
2024
- 2024 Employee Engagement Survey - Final Report (Narrative Research)
- 2024 Employee Engagement Survey - Overall Results Infographic (Narrative Research)
2022
- 2022 Employee Engagement Survey - Final Report (Narrative Research)
- 2022 Employee Engagement Survey - Overall Results Infographic (Narrative Research)
2018
- 2018 Employee Engagement Survey - Final Report (CRA)
- 2018 Employee Engagement Survey - Overall Results Infographic (CRA)
- 2018 Employee Engagement Survey - Post-Survey Areas of Focus
Common questions
- What is the Employee Engagement Survey?
The 2024 Employee Engagement Survey provided more than 4300 full-time and part-time employees with the opportunity to share their views on job satisfaction, workforce culture and opportunities for growth at the Halifax Regional Municipality. Employees were invited to complete the survey online or on paper.
- Why did the municipality conduct the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey?
Conducting employee engagement surveys establishes a benchmark and framework for enhanced workforce strategies and practices, to improve organizational performance and service delivery. It’s the effort and expertise of employees that enables the municipality to deliver on strategic priorities. It’s important to hear from employees, so that the municipality can better understand, and continue to improve, the employee experience.
The 2024 Employee Engagement Survey results provide a comparison against previous employee engagement surveys, as well as a database of results from other municipal surveys conducted by Narrative Research in the past.
The information collected through the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey provides a new set of benchmarks to help us continue making evidence-based decisions and to create plans for improvement.
Employee feedback highlights areas where the municipality is doing well as an organization, as well as areas that need additional focus to promote a better experience for all employees, which ultimately contributes to improved service delivery for our residents.
- Was the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey anonymous?
Yes. The survey results are completely anonymous. The survey was managed privately by Narrative Research, which follows strict security and anonymity practices. Narrative Research is an Accredited Agency member of the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC).
- How many employees took part in the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey?
More than 4,300 full-time and part-time employees shared their views. The survey received a 51 per cent response rate, up three per cent from 2022.
- What do the results of the 2024 Employee Engagement survey show?
The results highlight that it's clear we're doing well in some areas, but we also have some work to do.
It’s important that we use these insights to drive change across our organization. As leaders, we must commit to advancing this meaningful work, as it will require time, effort and ongoing dedication.
- What will be done with the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey results?
The findings will be used to develop action plans for enhanced workforce engagement, organizational performance and service delivery.
Insights gained from the survey will be used to drive measurable change across the municipality. This process requires time, effort and ongoing commitment.
Senior leadership will work with their management teams and employees to take meaningful steps as part of the municipality’s dedication to continuous improvement.
- Who should I contact with questions about the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey?
Employees may contact their direct manager/supervisor or Rita Clarke, Employee Engagement Specialist, with any questions about the survey results or next steps.
- When did the 2024 Employee Engagement Survey take place?
The 2024 Employee Engagement Survey was open from Oct. 7 until Nov. 8, to ensure all eligible employees had the opportunity to participate and share their view. All permanent full-time and part-time employees were invited to take part.
- Prior to 2024, when was the latest Employee Engagement Survey conducted?
The most recent survey prior to 2024 took place in 2022 and was conducted by Narrative Research, on behalf of the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Before 2022, the most recent employee engagement survey was completed in 2018. It is important to note the COVID-19 pandemic caused a gap between 2019-2021.
- How often are employee engagement surveys completed?
Based on industry standards, the municipality aims to conduct employee engagement surveys every two to three years.
- What has the municipality done with results from previous Employee Engagement surveys?
As an employer, the municipality is always looking at how to adjust and improve to meet the changing needs of its diverse workforce.
For example, the municipality introduced a number of new initiatives in consideration of the findings from the 2018 and 2022 Employee Engagement Surveys, including FlexWork Halifax, the Employee Recognition Program, Occupational Health & Safety training, Respectful Workplace Policy, and Whistleblower Policy. as well as new learning and development opportunities.