2020 Public Service Employee Survey Results for Department of National Defence

The results of the 2020 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) are presented according to the numerical order of questions, grouped by section theme as they appeared in the questionnaire. 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.

Survey Themes

Top of page

My Job

Question 1. I have the tools, technology and equipment I need to do my job.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 37 45 4 10 3 0 0 83 13 188350
2020 Department of National Defence 32 47 5 12 3 0 0 79 16 13903

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 Organization 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
2020 Public Service 76 17 3 2 1 0 1 94 3 187710
2020 Department of National Defence 69 21 4 2 2 0 1 92 4 13863
2017 Public Service 68 22 4 3 1 1 1 92 4 173972
2017 Department of National Defence 63 25 6 3 2 1 1 89 5 12633
2014 Public Service 68 22 4 3 1 1 1 91 4 181921
2014 Department of National Defence 61 26 6 3 2 1 2 89 5 14843

Question 3. My physical environment (e.g., office, workspace) is suitable for my job requirements.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 39 38 9 10 3 0 0 78 14 188104
2020 Department of National Defence 38 38 9 10 4 0 0 77 14 13887
2019 Public Service 43 35 7 10 5 0 0 78 15 181461
2019 Department of National Defence 39 37 8 11 5 0 0 76 16 13375
2017 Public Service 39 36 7 11 7 0 0 75 18 174178
2017 Department of National Defence 37 37 8 11 6 0 0 74 18 12638
2014 Public Service 40 35 7 11 7 0 0 75 18 181828
2014 Department of National Defence 38 37 8 11 6 0 0 75 17 14833

Question 4. I get the training I need to do my job.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 33 39 12 11 4 0 1 73 15 187496
2020 Department of National Defence 32 37 13 13 5 0 1 70 18 13856
2019 Public Service 29 40 12 13 6 0 0 69 19 181032
2019 Department of National Defence 28 39 12 13 7 0 0 68 20 13351
2018 Public Service 25 45 10 14 6 0 1 70 20 161510
2018 Department of National Defence 26 41 12 13 7 0 1 68 21 10502
2017 Public Service 26 40 12 14 8 0 0 66 23 174231
2017 Department of National Defence 26 38 12 15 9 0 0 64 24 12642
2014 Public Service 24 39 12 16 9 0 0 63 25 181873
2014 Department of National Defence 23 37 12 16 11 0 0 61 27 14841

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

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 45 36 9 7 3 0 0 81 10 186897
2020 Department of National Defence 43 37 9 8 3 0 0 80 11 13818
2019 Public Service 45 35 9 7 3 0 0 81 10 180486
2019 Department of National Defence 42 38 9 7 4 0 0 80 11 13305
2017 Public Service 44 37 8 7 3 0 0 82 10 173739
2017 Department of National Defence 43 39 7 7 3 0 0 82 10 12609
2014 Public Service 42 38 9 7 3 0 0 80 11 181746
2014 Department of National Defence 41 39 9 7 3 0 0 81 10 14832

Question 6. I have support at work to balance my work and personal life.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 45 31 10 8 5 0 0 77 13 187730
2020 Department of National Defence 46 31 11 7 4 0 0 78 11 13855
2019 Public Service 45 31 10 8 5 0 0 77 13 181242
2019 Department of National Defence 45 32 11 6 5 0 0 78 11 13352
2018 Public Service 42 33 11 8 5 0 0 76 13 161141
2018 Department of National Defence 41 34 12 7 5 0 0 76 12 10479
2017 Public Service 41 33 10 9 6 0 1 74 15 174019
2017 Department of National Defence 42 34 11 8 5 0 1 76 12 12624
2014 Public Service 36 34 12 10 7 0 1 71 16 181787
2014 Department of National Defence 37 35 13 8 6 0 1 72 14 14833

Question 7. I get a sense of satisfaction from my work.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 40 38 11 7 4 0 0 78 11 188177
2020 Department of National Defence 38 38 12 8 4 0 0 77 12 13883
2019 Public Service 37 39 12 7 5 0 0 76 12 181595
2019 Department of National Defence 37 38 12 8 5 0 0 75 13 13383
2018 Public Service 34 42 12 8 5 0 0 75 13 160671
2018 Department of National Defence 35 41 12 8 5 0 0 75 13 10436
2017 Public Service 33 44 11 8 5 0 0 77 13 174203
2017 Department of National Defence 34 43 11 7 4 0 0 77 12 12638
2014 Public Service 30 44 12 9 5 0 0 74 14 181850
2014 Department of National Defence 30 45 11 8 5 0 0 75 14 14848

Question 8. I receive meaningful recognition for work well done.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 33 36 14 10 7 0 0 69 17 188210
2020 Department of National Defence 28 35 16 12 9 0 0 63 21 13897
2019 Public Service 28 36 15 12 8 0 0 65 20 181492
2019 Department of National Defence 24 35 18 13 9 0 0 59 23 13382
2018 Public Service 26 34 17 13 10 0 0 60 23 161141
2018 Department of National Defence 23 32 20 13 12 0 0 55 25 10478
2017 Public Service 25 35 16 13 10 0 0 61 24 174142
2017 Department of National Defence 23 34 18 14 11 0 0 57 25 12636
2014 Public Service 21 35 17 15 11 0 0 57 26 181788
2014 Department of National Defence 19 34 18 16 13 0 0 53 28 14840

Question 9. I have clear work objectives.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 35 41 11 9 3 0 0 76 13 187222
2020 Department of National Defence 31 41 12 11 5 0 0 72 15 13834
2019 Public Service 32 42 12 10 4 0 0 74 14 180719
2019 Department of National Defence 27 42 14 12 5 0 0 69 17 13340
2018 Public Service 29 41 13 11 5 0 0 71 16 161312
2018 Department of National Defence 27 39 15 12 7 0 0 66 19 10486
2017 Public Service 29 42 12 11 5 0 0 72 16 174083
2017 Department of National Defence 28 41 14 11 6 0 0 68 18 12632

Question 10. I know how my work contributes to the achievement of my department's or agency's goals.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 48 36 8 4 2 0 0 85 7 187373
2020 Department of National Defence 45 38 10 5 3 0 0 83 7 13846
2019 Public Service 44 38 10 5 3 0 0 82 8 180781
2019 Department of National Defence 41 39 11 5 3 0 0 81 8 13335
2018 Public Service 43 40 9 5 2 0 0 84 7 161313
2018 Department of National Defence 43 41 9 4 3 0 0 84 7 10540
2017 Public Service 40 40 10 6 4 0 0 81 9 173996
2017 Department of National Defence 40 40 11 5 3 0 0 81 9 12632
2014 Public Service 38 40 12 6 4 1 0 79 10 181765
2014 Department of National Defence 38 40 12 5 4 1 0 79 9 14834

Question 11. Overall, I feel valued at work.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 36 36 13 9 6 0 0 71 16 187805
2020 Department of National Defence 33 36 14 10 7 0 0 69 17 13867
2019 Public Service 32 36 14 10 8 0 0 68 18 181182
2019 Department of National Defence 30 36 15 10 8 0 0 67 19 13360
2018 Public Service 29 37 14 11 9 0 0 66 20 160988
2018 Department of National Defence 28 37 15 11 9 0 0 65 20 10507
2017 Public Service 28 37 14 11 10 0 0 65 21 173998
2017 Department of National Defence 28 36 15 11 9 0 0 65 20 12610

Question 12. I am proud of the work that I do.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 54 32 9 3 2 0 0 86 5 186823
2020 Department of National Defence 57 31 8 2 2 0 0 88 4 13792
2019 Public Service 52 33 10 3 2 0 0 85 5 180371
2019 Department of National Defence 55 32 9 2 2 0 0 87 4 13303
2018 Public Service 50 35 9 3 2 0 0 85 5 160125
2018 Department of National Defence 54 32 9 3 2 0 0 87 4 10457
2017 Public Service 52 35 9 3 2 0 0 87 5 173795
2017 Department of National Defence 57 32 7 2 1 0 0 89 4 12589
2014 Public Service 59 29 8 2 2 0 0 88 4 181719
2014 Department of National Defence 64 26 6 2 1 0 0 90 3 14831

Question 13. I have opportunities to provide input into decisions that affect my work.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 34 37 13 10 6 0 0 71 16 187289
2020 Department of National Defence 33 38 13 10 6 0 0 71 16 13828
2019 Public Service 30 37 14 11 7 0 0 68 18 180719
2019 Department of National Defence 30 38 13 11 7 0 0 69 18 13332
2018 Public Service 27 38 14 12 9 0 0 65 21 160686
2018 Department of National Defence 27 38 14 11 9 0 0 66 20 10502
2017 Public Service 28 39 13 12 8 0 0 67 20 173615
2017 Department of National Defence 30 40 12 11 7 0 0 70 18 12571
2014 Public Service 21 40 14 14 10 0 0 62 25 181784
2014 Department of National Defence 22 42 13 13 10 0 0 64 23 14831

Question 14. I am encouraged to be innovative or to take initiative in my work.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 37 33 15 8 6 0 0 71 14 187895
2020 Department of National Defence 37 34 15 8 6 0 0 71 14 13869
2019 Public Service 34 33 15 9 7 0 0 68 16 181253
2019 Department of National Defence 34 34 16 9 7 0 0 68 16 13360
2018 Public Service 31 34 16 10 8 0 0 66 18 160340
2018 Department of National Defence 32 33 17 10 8 0 0 65 18 10483
2017 Public Service 32 35 15 11 8 0 0 67 18 173681
2017 Department of National Defence 33 35 14 10 7 0 0 69 17 12581
2014 Public Service 27 36 16 12 9 0 0 63 21 181760
2014 Department of National Defence 29 37 15 11 8 0 0 66 19 14832

Question 15. I have support at work to provide a high level of service.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 36 39 12 8 4 0 0 75 12 186744
2020 Department of National Defence 32 39 14 9 5 0 0 72 14 13807
2019 Public Service 32 39 13 9 5 0 0 72 14 179179
2019 Department of National Defence 30 39 15 10 6 0 0 69 16 13244
2018 Public Service 30 37 15 11 7 0 0 67 18 160685
2018 Department of National Defence 29 35 16 11 8 0 0 64 20 10492
2017 Public Service 31 38 14 10 6 0 0 69 17 173677
2017 Department of National Defence 31 37 15 10 7 0 0 68 18 12581
2014 Public Service 28 38 16 11 7 0 0 66 18 181718
2014 Department of National Defence 27 36 16 12 8 0 0 64 20 14826

Question 16. Overall, I like my job.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 46 36 10 5 2 0 0 83 8 188122
2020 Department of National Defence 47 36 9 5 2 0 0 83 8 13878
2019 Public Service 43 38 10 5 3 0 0 81 8 181588
2019 Department of National Defence 44 37 10 5 3 0 0 82 8 13376
2018 Public Service 40 39 11 6 3 0 0 80 9 161156
2018 Department of National Defence 43 37 11 6 3 0 0 80 9 10516
2017 Public Service 40 40 11 6 3 0 0 80 9 173510
2017 Department of National Defence 44 37 11 5 3 0 0 81 8 12564
2014 Public Service 39 40 11 6 4 0 0 79 9 181673
2014 Department of National Defence 43 38 10 5 3 0 0 81 9 14821

Question 17. I can complete my assigned workload during my regular working hours.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 37 32 16 8 5 0 1 70 13 187208
2020 Department of National Defence 39 33 16 7 5 0 0 72 12 13810
2019 Public Service 39 32 17 7 4 0 1 71 12 180499
2019 Department of National Defence 40 32 17 6 4 0 1 72 11 13235
2018 Public Service 37 32 17 8 5 0 1 70 13 161699
2018 Department of National Defence 39 32 16 8 5 0 1 71 13 10588
2017 Public Service 37 35 16 7 4 0 1 73 11 174272
2017 Department of National Defence 38 34 15 7 4 0 1 73 11 12646
2014 Public Service 35 34 18 7 5 0 1 70 12 181779
2014 Department of National Defence 36 34 17 7 5 0 1 71 12 14831

Question 18a. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... constantly changing priorities.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 10 24 35 20 9 1 1 30 34 188088
2020 Department of National Defence 10 25 35 20 8 0 1 28 36 13886
2019 Public Service 10 24 35 19 9 1 1 29 35 181388
2019 Department of National Defence 10 27 35 18 8 1 1 27 38 13374
2018 Public Service 11 26 35 18 8 1 1 27 37 161147
2018 Department of National Defence 11 26 34 18 8 1 1 27 38 10573
2017 Public Service 11 24 35 17 9 1 3 27 37 173451
2017 Department of National Defence 11 26 34 17 8 1 3 27 38 12571
2014 Public Service 12 28 36 16 7 1 2 23 40 181277
2014 Department of National Defence 12 29 35 16 6 1 2 23 41 14795

Question 18b. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... lack of stability in my department or agency.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 8 15 26 29 19 2 2 50 23 187380
2020 Department of National Defence 9 18 27 27 16 1 1 44 28 13818
2019 Public Service 10 18 27 24 16 2 2 42 30 180845
2019 Department of National Defence 11 21 28 23 14 1 1 38 33 13338
2018 Public Service 12 20 28 23 13 2 2 37 33 160571
2018 Department of National Defence 13 21 28 22 14 2 1 36 35 10532
2017 Public Service 12 19 28 21 14 3 4 37 33 173005
2017 Department of National Defence 12 21 29 20 13 2 3 35 35 12517
2014 Public Service 13 22 29 20 11 2 3 32 37 181116
2014 Department of National Defence 14 24 30 19 10 2 2 29 39 14788

Question 18c. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... too many approval stages.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 13 21 31 20 11 2 2 32 36 187586
2020 Department of National Defence 17 24 30 17 9 1 1 26 43 13832
2019 Public Service 16 23 29 18 10 2 2 29 41 181013
2019 Department of National Defence 20 27 28 14 8 1 2 23 48 13348
2018 Public Service 17 24 29 17 9 2 3 26 43 160643
2018 Department of National Defence 22 26 27 14 8 1 2 22 50 10541
2017 Public Service 17 23 29 15 9 2 4 26 43 173286
2017 Department of National Defence 22 27 26 12 8 1 3 21 51 12554
2014 Public Service 21 25 27 14 7 2 3 23 48 181132
2014 Department of National Defence 24 28 26 12 6 1 2 19 54 14798

Question 18d. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... unreasonable deadlines.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 7 14 30 29 17 1 2 48 21 187162
2020 Department of National Defence 6 12 30 34 16 1 1 51 19 13813
2019 Public Service 7 15 31 28 16 1 2 46 22 180493
2019 Department of National Defence 6 13 31 31 17 1 2 50 19 13305
2018 Public Service 8 16 32 27 14 1 2 42 25 160266
2018 Department of National Defence 6 14 32 30 15 1 2 46 21 10510
2017 Public Service 8 15 31 25 14 1 4 42 25 172593
2017 Department of National Defence 6 14 31 28 16 1 4 46 21 12467
2014 Public Service 9 17 33 25 12 1 3 38 27 180699
2014 Department of National Defence 6 14 34 30 12 1 3 44 22 14734

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 Organization 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
2020 Public Service 12 19 27 23 15 1 2 40 32 187650
2020 Department of National Defence 14 20 28 23 12 1 1 36 36 13855
2019 Public Service 14 20 27 20 14 1 2 36 36 181066
2019 Department of National Defence 17 22 29 18 12 1 2 31 39 13357
2018 Public Service 17 23 27 18 11 1 2 30 42 160843
2018 Department of National Defence 18 25 26 16 11 1 2 28 45 10554
2017 Public Service 17 22 27 17 12 2 4 30 41 173223
2017 Department of National Defence 18 23 27 17 11 1 3 29 43 12564
2014 Public Service 21 25 27 15 9 1 3 24 48 181145
2014 Department of National Defence 22 27 27 14 7 1 2 22 51 14788

Question 18f. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... high staff turnover.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 8 14 24 27 19 4 3 50 24 187087
2020 Department of National Defence 10 17 24 27 18 2 2 47 27 13818
2019 Public Service 12 18 26 22 16 3 3 41 32 180618
2019 Department of National Defence 12 19 26 23 15 2 2 40 33 13324
2018 Public Service 13 20 27 22 13 3 3 37 35 160300
2018 Department of National Defence 13 20 26 22 15 2 2 39 35 10522
2017 Public Service 12 18 26 21 14 3 5 39 33 173264
2017 Department of National Defence 12 19 25 21 15 2 5 39 34 12543
2014 Public Service 11 18 27 24 13 3 5 40 31 181040
2014 Department of National Defence 12 19 26 23 14 2 4 40 32 14768

Question 18g. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... overly complicated or unnecessary business processes.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 12 20 32 20 12 2 2 33 34 187395
2020 Department of National Defence 15 22 31 18 11 2 2 30 38 13828
2019 Public Service 14 22 31 17 11 2 2 30 38 180911
2019 Department of National Defence 17 23 30 16 10 2 2 27 42 13331
2018 Public Service 16 24 31 16 9 2 2 25 42 161001
2018 Department of National Defence 19 25 29 14 9 2 2 24 45 10553
2017 Public Service 16 22 31 15 9 3 4 26 41 173340
2017 Department of National Defence 19 23 29 14 8 2 4 23 45 12554
2014 Public Service 18 24 31 14 8 2 3 23 44 181146
2014 Department of National Defence 20 24 30 14 7 2 3 22 46 14776

Question 18h. I feel that the quality of my work suffers because of... unreliable technology.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 7 17 36 26 12 1 1 39 25 187956
2020 Department of National Defence 8 19 36 25 11 1 1 37 27 13861
2019 Public Service 10 19 33 23 13 1 1 37 30 181282
2019 Department of National Defence 10 18 33 24 12 1 2 37 29 13362
Top of page

My Work Unit

Question 19. I am satisfied with how interpersonal issues are resolved in my work unit.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 28 30 17 8 6 6 4 65 16 187998
2020 Department of National Defence 23 33 19 11 8 3 2 59 21 13878
2019 Public Service 29 30 16 10 7 5 3 64 19 181323
2019 Department of National Defence 24 32 19 12 9 3 2 59 22 13364
2018 Public Service 21 32 19 11 9 5 3 59 21 161064
2018 Department of National Defence 19 33 21 12 11 3 2 54 24 10546
2017 Public Service 26 31 16 11 9 5 4 62 21 174143
2017 Department of National Defence 23 33 17 12 11 3 2 58 24 12641
2014 Public Service 28 32 15 10 8 4 3 64 20 181579
2014 Department of National Defence 23 32 17 12 11 3 2 58 24 14813

Question 20. In my work unit, every individual is accepted as an equal member of the team.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 49 28 9 8 5 1 0 78 13 187747
2020 Department of National Defence 40 31 11 11 7 1 0 71 18 13870
2019 Public Service 45 29 9 9 6 1 0 75 16 181181
2019 Department of National Defence 38 31 12 11 8 0 0 69 19 13352
2018 Public Service 40 31 10 10 8 1 0 72 18 160757
2018 Department of National Defence 33 32 12 13 10 1 0 65 23 10520
2017 Public Service 41 30 10 10 8 1 0 73 17 174130
2017 Department of National Defence 34 32 12 11 10 1 0 67 21 12641
2014 Public Service 41 30 10 10 7 1 0 73 18 181550
2014 Department of National Defence 33 32 11 12 11 1 0 65 23 14807

Question 21. In my work unit, individuals behave in a respectful manner.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 54 30 7 5 3 0 0 85 8 187251
2020 Department of National Defence 44 35 9 8 4 0 0 80 11 13844
2019 Public Service 49 33 8 7 3 0 0 82 11 181129
2019 Department of National Defence 41 36 10 9 5 0 0 77 13 13348
2018 Public Service 44 36 9 7 4 0 0 81 11 160773
2018 Department of National Defence 36 39 11 8 5 0 0 75 13 10505
2017 Public Service 41 38 9 8 4 0 0 80 12 173904
2017 Department of National Defence 33 41 11 9 5 0 0 74 14 12618
2014 Public Service 39 40 9 8 3 0 0 80 11 181417
2014 Department of National Defence 30 42 12 10 5 0 0 72 15 14799

Question 22. The people I work with value my ideas and opinions.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 45 35 11 5 2 1 0 82 7 186700
2020 Department of National Defence 38 39 13 6 3 1 0 77 9 13761
2019 Public Service 42 36 12 5 3 1 0 79 8 181393
2019 Department of National Defence 36 40 14 6 4 1 0 76 10 13359
2018 Public Service 37 40 13 5 3 1 0 77 9 161015
2018 Department of National Defence 32 41 15 6 4 1 0 73 11 10524

Question 23. In my work unit, I would feel free to speak about racism in the workplace without fear of reprisal.

Racism refers to any individual action or institutional practice which treats people differently because of their colour or ethnicity.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 48 24 11 4 4 6 3 79 9 188004
2020 Department of National Defence 45 25 13 4 4 5 3 77 9 13840
Top of page

My Immediate Supervisor

Question 24. My immediate supervisor encourages me to work collaboratively with others outside of my work unit.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 48 25 14 4 3 1 4 78 8 187985
2020 Department of National Defence 43 27 16 4 4 1 4 74 9 13877
2019 Public Service 45 27 15 5 3 1 4 75 9 181574
2019 Department of National Defence 39 28 19 5 4 1 4 71 9 13392

Question 25. I receive useful feedback from my immediate supervisor on my job performance.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 46 30 11 7 5 1 1 77 12 187915
2020 Department of National Defence 41 31 14 8 6 0 0 72 14 13864
2019 Public Service 42 31 13 8 5 1 1 74 14 181505
2019 Department of National Defence 36 32 16 9 7 1 0 69 15 13370
2018 Public Service 37 35 12 9 6 1 0 73 15 160726
2018 Department of National Defence 32 35 16 9 7 0 0 67 17 10512
2017 Public Service 37 35 12 9 6 1 0 73 15 174253
2017 Department of National Defence 33 36 15 9 7 0 0 69 16 12652
2014 Public Service 36 36 12 9 6 1 0 72 15 181472
2014 Department of National Defence 31 37 14 10 7 0 0 69 17 14808

Question 26. I feel that my immediate supervisor supports my career goals.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 51 24 13 5 4 2 2 77 10 187690
2020 Department of National Defence 45 25 16 6 6 1 2 72 12 13839

Question 27. My immediate supervisor keeps me informed about the issues affecting my work.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 49 30 10 6 4 1 1 80 10 188026
2020 Department of National Defence 44 31 12 7 6 0 1 75 13 13869
2019 Public Service 46 31 10 7 5 1 0 77 12 180879
2019 Department of National Defence 40 32 12 9 6 1 0 73 15 13338
2018 Public Service 42 32 11 8 5 1 0 75 14 160177
2018 Department of National Defence 37 33 13 10 7 0 0 70 17 10478
2017 Public Service 42 33 10 8 5 1 0 76 14 174142
2017 Department of National Defence 37 34 12 9 7 1 0 72 16 12647
2014 Public Service 40 34 11 9 6 1 0 75 15 181437
2014 Department of National Defence 34 34 12 10 8 1 0 69 18 14809

Question 28. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, have you requested flexible work hours, either formally or informally?

Flexible work hours mean that an employee is able to vary the start and end times of their workday.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 39 61 188363
2020 Department of National Defence 46 54 13903

Question 29. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my immediate supervisor supported the use of flexible work hours.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 52 17 9 3 3 5 12 83 7 188232
2020 Department of National Defence 56 18 10 3 3 2 7 82 7 13898

Question 30. I am satisfied with the quality of supervision I receive.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 56 25 9 5 4 0 0 82 9 188350
2020 Department of National Defence 53 25 10 6 5 0 0 79 11 13899
2019 Public Service 51 28 10 6 5 0 0 79 11 181662
2019 Department of National Defence 46 29 12 7 6 0 0 75 13 13387
2018 Public Service 47 28 11 7 6 0 0 75 13 160605
2018 Department of National Defence 42 29 13 8 8 0 0 71 16 10494
2017 Public Service 49 27 10 7 6 0 0 77 12 173871
2017 Department of National Defence 44 29 12 7 7 0 0 74 14 12590
2014 Public Service 46 30 11 7 6 0 0 77 13 181293
2014 Department of National Defence 41 31 12 8 8 0 0 72 16 14789
Top of page

Senior Management

Question 31. Senior managers in my department or agency lead by example in ethical behaviour.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 39 29 13 7 5 7 0 73 13 188297
2020 Department of National Defence 37 29 14 8 7 4 0 69 16 13893
2019 Public Service 32 31 15 8 7 6 0 68 16 181333
2019 Department of National Defence 29 32 17 10 8 3 0 64 18 13338
2018 Public Service 28 31 17 9 8 6 0 63 19 161481
2018 Department of National Defence 27 31 18 11 9 4 0 61 21 10587
2017 Public Service 27 32 16 10 8 7 0 64 19 174230
2017 Department of National Defence 26 33 17 11 9 4 0 62 21 12660
2014 Public Service 24 32 17 10 8 8 0 62 20 181131
2014 Department of National Defence 22 34 17 12 10 5 0 59 23 14782

Question 32. I have confidence in the senior management of my department or agency.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 35 31 14 9 7 2 0 68 17 187817
2020 Department of National Defence 32 31 16 11 9 1 0 64 20 13850
2019 Public Service 29 31 17 12 9 3 0 62 21 180978
2019 Department of National Defence 26 32 18 13 10 1 0 58 24 13316
2018 Public Service 25 31 18 13 11 2 0 58 24 161089
2018 Department of National Defence 24 30 18 14 12 1 0 55 27 10551
2017 Public Service 24 31 17 13 11 3 0 57 25 174174
2017 Department of National Defence 22 31 18 15 12 2 0 55 27 12657
2014 Public Service 21 31 19 15 12 3 0 53 27 181126
2014 Department of National Defence 18 31 19 16 14 2 0 50 31 14785

Question 33. Senior management in my department or agency makes effective and timely decisions.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 26 31 17 12 8 5 0 60 21 187771
2020 Department of National Defence 23 31 20 14 10 3 0 55 24 13860
2019 Public Service 21 30 20 15 10 5 0 53 26 180782
2019 Department of National Defence 18 29 21 16 12 3 0 49 29 13303
2018 Public Service 17 29 21 16 12 5 0 48 30 160960
2018 Department of National Defence 16 28 22 17 14 3 0 46 32 10549
2017 Public Service 17 29 20 17 12 6 0 49 31 174040
2017 Department of National Defence 15 29 20 18 14 3 0 46 33 12653
2014 Public Service 14 28 21 18 13 5 0 45 33 181064
2014 Department of National Defence 12 27 21 19 16 3 0 41 37 14780

Question 34. Essential information flows effectively from senior management to staff.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 25 34 15 14 9 2 0 61 24 188175
2020 Department of National Defence 22 32 16 17 12 1 0 55 29 13885
2019 Public Service 19 31 18 17 12 3 0 52 29 181112
2019 Department of National Defence 16 30 19 19 15 2 0 47 34 13317
2018 Public Service 16 30 18 18 14 3 0 48 33 161278
2018 Department of National Defence 14 28 19 20 17 2 0 44 37 10561
2017 Public Service 17 31 17 17 14 3 0 50 32 173985
2017 Department of National Defence 14 30 18 19 16 2 0 45 36 12630
2014 Public Service 14 31 18 19 14 3 0 47 34 181026
2014 Department of National Defence 12 29 18 21 18 2 0 42 39 14777

Question 35. Senior managers in my department or agency use both official languages in their interactions with employees.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 41 21 12 5 5 12 4 74 12 188232
2020 Department of National Defence 33 22 14 8 7 12 5 66 17 13898
2019 Public Service 40 20 12 6 5 13 3 72 14 181690
2019 Department of National Defence 33 22 15 7 8 12 4 65 18 13385
Top of page

My Organization (Department or Agency)

Question 36. My department or agency does a good job of communicating its vision, mission and goals.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 31 42 15 8 3 1 0 74 11 188081
2020 Department of National Defence 27 40 18 9 5 1 0 68 14 13873
2019 Public Service 27 42 17 9 4 1 0 70 13 181538
2019 Department of National Defence 24 40 19 11 5 1 0 65 16 13384
2018 Public Service 24 42 18 10 5 1 0 67 15 161017
2018 Department of National Defence 22 39 20 12 7 1 0 61 19 10551
2017 Public Service 25 41 17 10 6 1 0 67 16 173974
2017 Department of National Defence 22 39 19 12 7 1 0 62 19 12636
2014 Public Service 24 40 18 10 6 2 0 65 16 181189
2014 Department of National Defence 20 37 19 13 8 2 0 58 22 14787

Question 37. I feel that change is managed well in my department or agency.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 21 36 19 15 7 2 0 59 22 187137
2020 Department of National Defence 17 34 22 17 8 1 0 52 26 13833
2019 Public Service 15 33 21 18 10 3 0 50 29 180810
2019 Department of National Defence 13 32 23 20 11 2 0 46 31 13335

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 Organization 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
2020 Public Service 35 36 13 8 5 3 1 73 13 187863
2020 Department of National Defence 33 36 14 8 6 2 1 71 14 13880
2019 Public Service 32 36 14 9 5 2 1 71 15 181324
2019 Department of National Defence 29 37 16 10 6 2 1 67 17 13373
2018 Public Service 31 38 14 9 5 2 1 71 15 161068
2018 Department of National Defence 28 38 15 10 7 1 1 68 17 10545
2017 Public Service 35 37 12 8 5 3 1 74 14 173795
2017 Department of National Defence 33 38 13 8 5 2 1 73 14 12616
2014 Public Service 36 37 11 7 4 3 1 77 12 181015
2014 Department of National Defence 34 39 12 8 5 2 1 74 13 14786

Question 39. My department or agency does a good job of promoting values and ethics in the workplace.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 37 36 16 6 4 2 0 74 10 187519
2020 Department of National Defence 35 36 17 7 4 1 0 72 11 13847
2019 Public Service 32 36 18 7 5 1 0 69 12 181009
2019 Department of National Defence 29 37 20 8 5 1 0 66 14 13355
2018 Public Service 30 38 18 8 5 1 0 69 13 160645
2018 Department of National Defence 29 36 19 8 6 1 0 66 14 10532

Question 40. I feel I can initiate a formal recourse process (e.g., grievance, complaint, appeal) without fear of reprisal.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 24 25 18 12 10 9 2 55 25 187781
2020 Department of National Defence 27 29 17 11 10 5 1 60 22 13869
2019 Public Service 21 24 19 13 13 8 2 50 29 181309
2019 Department of National Defence 22 28 20 12 12 6 1 54 25 13358
2018 Public Service 18 25 19 14 14 8 2 48 31 161057
2018 Department of National Defence 21 29 20 13 12 5 1 53 27 10542
2017 Public Service 18 25 17 14 14 9 3 48 32 173820
2017 Department of National Defence 22 29 17 13 12 6 1 55 27 12603
2014 Public Service 16 24 18 16 15 9 2 45 35 180995
2014 Department of National Defence 19 28 17 14 14 6 1 51 31 14776

Question 41. My department or agency does a good job of supporting employee career development.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 27 33 17 12 8 3 0 61 21 187687
2020 Department of National Defence 26 32 18 12 9 2 1 59 22 13858
2019 Public Service 24 32 17 14 11 2 0 57 25 181262
2019 Department of National Defence 22 32 18 14 12 2 0 55 27 13358
2018 Public Service 20 32 18 15 12 2 0 53 28 161004
2018 Department of National Defence 21 31 19 14 13 2 0 53 27 10537
2017 Public Service 22 32 16 14 11 3 0 57 27 173983
2017 Department of National Defence 22 33 17 14 12 2 1 56 27 12652
2014 Public Service 19 31 17 16 13 3 1 52 30 180900
2014 Department of National Defence 18 31 17 16 15 2 1 50 32 14768

Question 42. I believe I have opportunities for promotion within my department or agency, given my education, skills and experience.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 24 28 15 14 14 3 2 55 29 188227
2020 Department of National Defence 19 24 17 15 18 2 5 46 35 13884
2019 Public Service 22 28 15 14 16 2 2 52 32 181671
2019 Department of National Defence 17 24 17 15 21 2 4 44 38 13389
2018 Public Service 19 27 16 16 18 2 2 48 35 161071
2018 Department of National Defence 16 24 17 15 23 2 4 42 40 10551
2017 Public Service 19 27 15 16 18 3 3 48 36 174011
2017 Department of National Defence 15 24 15 16 22 2 5 43 41 12651
2014 Public Service 16 25 15 18 22 2 2 42 42 180943
2014 Department of National Defence 12 21 15 17 28 2 5 35 48 14777

Question 43a. To what extent have the following adversely affected your career progress in the federal public service over the last 12 months? Conflict between my work obligations and my family or personal obligations

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 51 23 13 6 4 1 4 77 10 188359
2020 Department of National Defence 58 21 10 4 2 1 4 82 7 13897
2019 Public Service 51 24 13 5 3 1 4 78 9 181398
2019 Department of National Defence 57 22 10 3 2 1 4 83 6 13371

Question 43b. To what extent have the following adversely affected your career progress in the federal public service over the last 12 months? Lack of access to learning opportunities

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 47 24 14 6 4 1 3 74 11 188093
2020 Department of National Defence 47 23 15 7 5 1 3 73 12 13880
2019 Public Service 44 24 16 7 5 2 4 71 12 181082
2019 Department of National Defence 43 24 16 7 5 2 4 71 13 13348

Question 43c. To what extent have the following adversely affected your career progress in the federal public service over the last 12 months? Discrimination

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 74 9 5 2 3 3 4 89 5 187576
2020 Department of National Defence 74 9 5 2 3 2 4 89 5 13840
2019 Public Service 72 9 5 2 3 4 4 88 6 180710
2019 Department of National Defence 72 10 5 3 3 3 4 88 6 13291

Question 43d. To what extent have the following adversely affected your career progress in the federal public service over the last 12 months? Accessibility or accommodation issues

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 72 11 5 2 2 2 7 91 4 187772
2020 Department of National Defence 72 11 5 2 2 2 6 91 4 13847
2019 Public Service 75 7 4 1 2 2 9 92 4 180694
2019 Department of National Defence 73 9 4 1 2 3 9 92 4 13290

Question 44. I feel I would be supported by my department or agency if I proposed a new idea.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 24 41 18 9 4 4 0 68 14 187878
2020 Department of National Defence 23 42 17 9 5 2 0 67 15 13873
2019 Public Service 21 40 19 10 6 4 0 63 17 181429
2019 Department of National Defence 20 42 19 10 6 3 0 64 17 13372
2018 Public Service 20 35 22 11 8 3 0 57 20 161226
2018 Department of National Defence 19 37 23 10 8 2 0 58 19 10546
2017 Public Service 20 35 21 12 8 4 1 58 21 174027
2017 Department of National Defence 20 38 21 11 7 3 0 60 19 12659

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

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 38 37 13 7 3 2 0 77 10 187243
2020 Department of National Defence 35 38 15 7 3 2 0 74 11 13831
2019 Public Service 36 38 13 7 4 2 0 75 11 180695
2019 Department of National Defence 32 39 16 7 4 2 0 73 11 13328
2018 Public Service 39 38 13 6 3 2 0 78 9 160801
2018 Department of National Defence 35 39 15 6 3 1 0 75 9 10536
2017 Public Service 37 40 12 6 3 2 0 78 9 173976
2017 Department of National Defence 34 41 15 6 3 2 0 76 9 12620
2014 Public Service 38 37 13 6 3 3 0 78 9 180874
2014 Department of National Defence 34 38 16 6 3 3 0 74 10 14765

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 Organization 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
2020 Public Service 41 34 13 5 3 4 1 78 8 187651
2020 Department of National Defence 38 34 17 5 3 3 1 75 8 13863
2019 Public Service 42 34 13 4 3 3 0 79 7 180863
2019 Department of National Defence 37 35 17 4 3 3 1 74 8 13326
2018 Public Service 40 36 14 4 3 3 0 78 7 160822
2018 Department of National Defence 37 36 17 4 3 3 0 75 7 10537
2017 Public Service 37 35 15 4 3 4 1 76 8 173916
2017 Department of National Defence 34 35 18 5 3 3 1 73 8 12641
2014 Public Service 40 35 14 4 3 4 1 79 7 180799
2014 Department of National Defence 35 36 17 4 3 4 1 75 7 14769

Question 47. My department or agency implements initiatives that promote anti-racism in the workplace.

Anti-racism may be promoted by providing access to anti-racism training, and promoting awareness of resources and self-directed learning on anti-racism.

Anti-racism is an active and consistent process of change to eliminate individual, institutional and systemic racism.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 38 32 16 5 3 6 1 75 8 188080
2020 Department of National Defence 39 32 17 4 2 4 1 75 7 13881

Question 48. I would feel comfortable sharing concerns about issues related to racism in the workplace with a person of authority (e.g., immediate supervisor, senior manager, ombudsman, human resources advisor).

Racism refers to any individual action or institutional practice which treats people differently because of their colour or ethnicity.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 44 30 11 5 4 4 2 79 10 187541
2020 Department of National Defence 45 31 12 5 4 3 1 79 9 13853

Question 49. Overall, my department or agency treats me with respect.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 53 31 8 4 3 0 0 85 7 187707
2020 Department of National Defence 50 33 8 5 3 0 0 84 8 13853
2019 Public Service 48 34 9 5 4 0 0 82 9 181342
2019 Department of National Defence 45 36 10 5 4 0 0 81 9 13358
2018 Public Service 44 36 10 5 4 0 0 81 9 160659
2018 Department of National Defence 43 37 10 5 4 0 0 80 9 10533
2017 Public Service 43 37 10 6 4 0 0 80 10 174074
2017 Department of National Defence 41 39 10 6 4 0 0 81 9 12637
2014 Public Service 42 37 11 6 4 0 0 79 10 180763
2014 Department of National Defence 40 38 11 6 4 0 0 79 10 14755

Question 50. I would recommend my department or agency as a great place to work.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 44 31 13 7 5 0 0 75 12 187475
2020 Department of National Defence 41 32 14 8 5 0 0 73 13 13854
2019 Public Service 39 31 15 8 6 1 0 70 15 181212
2019 Department of National Defence 37 33 16 8 6 0 0 70 14 13336
2018 Public Service 35 32 17 9 7 1 0 67 16 160754
2018 Department of National Defence 35 32 18 8 7 1 0 67 15 10541
2017 Public Service 33 32 16 9 8 1 0 66 17 173925
2017 Department of National Defence 34 33 17 9 7 1 0 67 16 12624
2014 Public Service 28 35 17 11 8 1 0 63 19 180897
2014 Department of National Defence 28 36 17 10 8 1 0 64 19 14771

Question 51. I am satisfied with my department or agency.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 42 33 13 7 5 0 0 75 12 186722
2020 Department of National Defence 39 34 14 8 5 0 0 73 13 13798
2019 Public Service 37 34 14 9 6 0 0 71 15 180546
2019 Department of National Defence 35 35 15 9 6 0 0 70 15 13288
2018 Public Service 33 34 16 10 7 0 0 68 16 160146
2018 Department of National Defence 33 34 17 9 7 0 0 67 16 10497
2017 Public Service 32 35 15 10 7 0 0 68 17 173991
2017 Department of National Defence 32 36 16 10 6 0 0 68 16 12626
2014 Public Service 27 36 17 12 7 0 0 64 20 180844
2014 Department of National Defence 26 38 16 11 8 0 0 64 19 14770

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 Organization 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
2020 Public Service 39 25 17 9 6 3 1 66 16 187915
2020 Department of National Defence 40 25 16 9 7 2 1 66 17 13874
2019 Public Service 34 25 18 11 8 3 1 61 20 181559
2019 Department of National Defence 35 26 17 10 9 3 0 62 20 13369
2018 Public Service 31 25 19 12 9 3 0 59 22 161050
2018 Department of National Defence 33 25 19 10 9 3 0 61 20 10548
2017 Public Service 30 26 18 11 9 4 1 59 22 173970
2017 Department of National Defence 33 27 18 11 8 3 1 62 20 12626
2014 Public Service 28 26 19 13 10 4 1 57 24 180861
2014 Department of National Defence 30 27 18 12 10 3 0 59 23 14760
Top of page

Mobility and Retention

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

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Not sure
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 24 41 35 188494
2020 Department of National Defence 22 46 32 13917
2019 Public Service 27 38 35 181906
2019 Department of National Defence 24 43 33 13406
2018 Public Service 27 39 35 161647
2018 Department of National Defence 24 44 33 10593
2017 Public Service 26 40 34 174196
2017 Department of National Defence 24 46 30 12659
2014 Public Service 26 40 34 180859
2014 Department of National Defence 23 46 32 14763

Question 54. Please indicate your reason for leaving.

Survey year Organization To retire
(%)
To pursue another position within my department or agency
(%)
To pursue a position in another department or agency
(%)
To pursue a position outside the federal public service
(%)
End of my term, casual or student employment
(%)
Other
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 17 38 28 4 6 6 45796
2020 Department of National Defence 31 31 24 5 3 7 3253
2019 Public Service 15 33 29 6 12 6 49800
2019 Department of National Defence 26 29 25 5 9 6 3387
2018 Public Service 17 33 30 6 8 6 43390
2018 Department of National Defence 29 27 25 5 7 7 2642
2017 Public Service 18 30 29 6 10 6 45785
2017 Department of National Defence 31 26 25 5 6 7 3110
2014 Public Service 18 32 30 10 9999 11 47681
2014 Department of National Defence 31 23 25 9 9999 11 3557
Top of page

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 55. Having carefully read the definition of harassment, have you been the victim of harassment on the job in the past 12 months?

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 11 89 188242
2020 Department of National Defence 12 88 13898
2019 Public Service 14 86 181483
2019 Department of National Defence 14 86 13363
2018 Public Service 15 85 161503
2018 Department of National Defence 16 84 10569

Question 56a. From whom did you experience harassment on the job? Co-workers

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 48 52 18665
2020 Department of National Defence 49 51 1581
2019 Public Service 51 49 23324
2019 Department of National Defence 52 48 1812
2018 Public Service 51 49 22721
2018 Department of National Defence 49 51 1592

Question 56b. From whom did you experience harassment on the job? Individuals with authority over me

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 62 38 18665
2020 Department of National Defence 60 40 1581
2019 Public Service 60 40 23324
2019 Department of National Defence 60 40 1812
2018 Public Service 62 38 22735
2018 Department of National Defence 62 38 1592

Question 56c. From whom did you experience harassment on the job? Individuals working for me

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 18665
2020 Department of National Defence 9 91 1581
2019 Public Service 8 92 23324
2019 Department of National Defence 9 91 1812
2018 Public Service 8 92 22696
2018 Department of National Defence 8 92 1592

Question 56d. From whom did you experience harassment on the job? Individuals for whom I have a custodial responsibility (e.g., inmates, offenders, patients, detainees)

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 5 95 18665
2020 Department of National Defence 0 100 1581
2019 Public Service 5 95 23324
2019 Department of National Defence 1 99 1812
2018 Public Service 5 95 22696
2018 Department of National Defence 0 100 1592

Question 56e. From whom did you experience harassment on the job? Individuals from other departments or agencies

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 7 93 18665
2020 Department of National Defence 9 91 1581
2019 Public Service 6 94 23324
2019 Department of National Defence 10 90 1812
2018 Public Service 6 94 22696
2018 Department of National Defence 8 92 1592

Question 56f. From whom did you experience harassment on the job? Members of the public (individuals or organizations)

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 18665
2020 Department of National Defence 3 97 1581
2019 Public Service 9 91 23324
2019 Department of National Defence 5 95 1812
2018 Public Service 10 90 22712
2018 Department of National Defence 3 97 1592

Question 56g. From whom did you experience harassment on the job? Other

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 4 96 18665
2020 Department of National Defence 5 95 1581
2019 Public Service 4 96 23324
2019 Department of National Defence 6 94 1812
2018 Public Service 4 96 22694
2018 Department of National Defence 5 95 1592

Question 57a. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Aggressive behaviour

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 39 61 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 38 62 1581
2019 Public Service 39 61 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 38 62 1784
2018 Public Service 40 60 22709
2018 Department of National Defence 41 59 1590

Question 57b. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Excessive control

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 41 59 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 42 58 1581
2019 Public Service 39 61 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 40 60 1784
2018 Public Service 40 60 22697
2018 Department of National Defence 43 57 1590

Question 57c. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Being excluded or being ignored

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 47 53 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 46 54 1581
2019 Public Service 47 53 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 47 53 1784
2018 Public Service 46 54 22698
2018 Department of National Defence 43 57 1590

Question 57d. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Humiliation

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 43 57 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 44 56 1581
2019 Public Service 42 58 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 42 58 1784
2018 Public Service 41 59 22706
2018 Department of National Defence 41 59 1590

Question 57e. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Interference with work or withholding resources

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 33 67 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 36 64 1581
2019 Public Service 31 69 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 32 68 1784
2018 Public Service 33 67 22690
2018 Department of National Defence 36 64 1590

Question 57f. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Offensive remark

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 54 46 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 53 47 1581
2019 Public Service 55 45 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 57 43 1784
2018 Public Service 56 44 22722
2018 Department of National Defence 55 45 1590

Question 57g. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Personal attack

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 38 62 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 40 60 1581
2019 Public Service 36 64 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 37 63 1784
2018 Public Service 36 64 22699
2018 Department of National Defence 39 61 1590

Question 57h. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Physical violence

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 2 98 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 2 98 1581
2019 Public Service 2 98 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 2 98 1784
2018 Public Service 2 98 22678
2018 Department of National Defence 3 97 1590

Question 57i. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Sexual comment or gesture

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 8 92 1581
2019 Public Service 10 90 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 1784
2018 Public Service 10 90 22693
2018 Department of National Defence 10 90 1590

Question 57j. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Threat

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 13 87 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 16 84 1581
2019 Public Service 12 88 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 14 86 1784
2018 Public Service 13 87 22689
2018 Department of National Defence 15 85 1590

Question 57k. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Unfair treatment

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 52 48 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 49 51 1581
2019 Public Service 49 51 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 49 51 1784
2018 Public Service 48 52 22704
2018 Department of National Defence 49 51 1590

Question 57l. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Yelling or shouting

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 25 75 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 26 74 1581
2019 Public Service 26 74 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 27 73 1784
2018 Public Service 27 73 22702
2018 Department of National Defence 31 69 1590

Question 57m. Please indicate the nature of the harassment you experienced. Other

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 16 84 18664
2020 Department of National Defence 16 84 1581
2019 Public Service 16 84 23086
2019 Department of National Defence 15 85 1784
2018 Public Service 15 85 22687
2018 Department of National Defence 14 86 1590

Question 58a. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I discussed the matter with my supervisor or a senior manager.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 51 49 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 54 46 1582
2019 Public Service 52 48 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 53 47 1772
2018 Public Service 51 49 22718
2018 Department of National Defence 49 51 1593

Question 58b. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I discussed the matter with the person(s) from whom I experienced the harassment.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 27 73 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 27 73 1582
2019 Public Service 27 73 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 27 73 1772
2018 Public Service 27 73 22701
2018 Department of National Defence 27 73 1593

Question 58c. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I contacted a human resources advisor in my department or agency.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 11 89 1582
2019 Public Service 9 91 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 10 90 1772
2018 Public Service 8 92 22688
2018 Department of National Defence 9 91 1593

Question 58d. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I contacted my union representative.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 20 80 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 26 74 1582
2019 Public Service 21 79 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 24 76 1772
2018 Public Service 20 80 22699
2018 Department of National Defence 25 75 1593

Question 58e. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I used an informal conflict resolution process.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 11 89 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 10 90 1582
2019 Public Service 10 90 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 1772
2018 Public Service 10 90 22689
2018 Department of National Defence 11 89 1593

Question 58f. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I filed a grievance or formal complaint.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 12 88 1582
2019 Public Service 7 93 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 1772
2018 Public Service 7 93 22692
2018 Department of National Defence 11 89 1593

Question 58g. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I resolved the matter informally on my own.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 13 87 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 13 87 1582
2019 Public Service 14 86 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 14 86 1772
2018 Public Service 14 86 22692
2018 Department of National Defence 15 85 1593

Question 58h. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? Other.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 11 89 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 11 89 1582
2019 Public Service 12 88 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 12 88 1772
2018 Public Service 11 89 22688
2018 Department of National Defence 12 88 1593

Question 58i. What action(s) did you take to address the harassment you experienced? I took no action.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 27 73 18666
2020 Department of National Defence 23 77 1582
2019 Public Service 26 74 22957
2019 Department of National Defence 25 75 1772
2018 Public Service 27 73 22709
2018 Department of National Defence 25 75 1593

Question 59a. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? The issue was resolved.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 11 89 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 11 89 1407
2019 Public Service 11 89 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 12 88 1576
2018 Public Service 11 89 21200
2018 Department of National Defence 13 87 1421

Question 59b. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I did not think the incident was serious enough.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 18 82 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 16 84 1407
2019 Public Service 20 80 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 20 80 1576
2018 Public Service 19 81 21197
2018 Department of National Defence 17 83 1421

Question 59c. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? The behaviour stopped.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 9 91 1407
2019 Public Service 10 90 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 1576
2018 Public Service 10 90 21191
2018 Department of National Defence 11 89 1421

Question 59d. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? The individual apologized.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 7 93 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 7 93 1407
2019 Public Service 7 93 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 7 93 1576
2018 Public Service 7 93 21189
2018 Department of National Defence 8 92 1421

Question 59e. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? Management intervened.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 10 90 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 12 88 1407
2019 Public Service 10 90 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 14 86 1576
2018 Public Service 10 90 21189
2018 Department of National Defence 13 87 1421

Question 59f. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? The individual left or changed jobs.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 10 90 1407
2019 Public Service 9 91 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 1576
2018 Public Service 9 91 21189
2018 Department of National Defence 12 88 1421

Question 59g. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I changed jobs.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 7 93 1407
2019 Public Service 10 90 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 9 91 1576
2018 Public Service 10 90 21188
2018 Department of National Defence 9 91 1421

Question 59h. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I did not know what to do, where to go or whom to ask.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 13 87 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 12 88 1407
2019 Public Service 12 88 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 12 88 1576
2018 Public Service 11 89 21193
2018 Department of National Defence 12 88 1421

Question 59i. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I was too distraught.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 14 86 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 13 87 1407
2019 Public Service 13 87 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 1576
2018 Public Service 12 88 21192
2018 Department of National Defence 13 87 1421

Question 59j. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I had concerns about the formal complaint process (e.g., confidentiality, how long it would take).

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 32 68 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 29 71 1407
2019 Public Service 32 68 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 29 71 1576
2018 Public Service 30 70 21199
2018 Department of National Defence 29 71 1421

Question 59k. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I was advised against filing a complaint.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 10 90 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 8 92 1407
2019 Public Service 10 90 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 9 91 1576
2018 Public Service 9 91 21189
2018 Department of National Defence 9 91 1421

Question 59l. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I was afraid of reprisal (e.g., having limited career advancement, being labelled a troublemaker).

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 49 51 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 42 58 1407
2019 Public Service 48 52 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 43 57 1576
2018 Public Service 47 53 21214
2018 Department of National Defence 44 56 1421

Question 59m. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? Someone threatened me.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 2 98 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 2 98 1407
2019 Public Service 2 98 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 2 98 1576
2018 Public Service 2 98 21187
2018 Department of National Defence 2 98 1421

Question 59n. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I did not believe it would make a difference.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 57 43 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 57 43 1407
2019 Public Service 56 44 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 55 45 1576
2018 Public Service 56 44 21220
2018 Department of National Defence 56 44 1421

Question 59o. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? I intend to file a grievance or a formal complaint but I have not done so yet.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 4 96 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 6 94 1407
2019 Public Service 4 96 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 6 94 1576
2018 Public Service 4 96 21191
2018 Department of National Defence 5 95 1421

Question 59p. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the harassment you experienced? Other

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 14 86 17329
2020 Department of National Defence 14 86 1407
2019 Public Service 13 87 21361
2019 Department of National Defence 13 87 1576
2018 Public Service 13 87 21192
2018 Department of National Defence 12 88 1421

Question 60. I am satisfied with how matters related to harassment are resolved in my department or agency.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 20 17 17 7 6 27 7 56 19 188041
2020 Department of National Defence 23 23 19 8 7 16 4 58 18 13876
2019 Public Service 18 17 19 8 8 23 7 51 22 181570
2019 Department of National Defence 20 23 20 8 8 16 4 54 21 13382
2018 Public Service 16 19 21 8 8 23 5 48 22 161102
2018 Department of National Defence 20 24 22 8 9 14 3 53 21 10546
2017 Public Service 16 18 19 7 8 24 7 50 22 174189
2017 Department of National Defence 20 26 20 9 8 14 4 56 20 12652
2014 Public Service 16 19 20 7 7 24 7 50 22 180780
2014 Department of National Defence 18 25 21 8 9 16 3 53 21 14765

Question 61. My department or agency works hard to create a workplace that prevents harassment.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 35 29 15 6 5 8 1 71 12 187964
2020 Department of National Defence 38 32 15 6 5 4 1 73 11 13868
2019 Public Service 34 30 16 7 5 8 1 69 13 181533
2019 Department of National Defence 36 32 15 7 6 4 0 71 13 13370
2018 Public Service 29 31 18 7 6 7 1 66 14 161060
2018 Department of National Defence 33 33 17 7 6 4 0 68 14 10544
2017 Public Service 28 31 17 7 6 9 1 66 15 173958
2017 Department of National Defence 34 34 16 7 6 3 1 71 13 12627
2014 Public Service 26 30 19 7 6 11 1 64 14 180720
2014 Department of National Defence 27 34 18 8 6 6 1 65 15 14749
Top of page

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 62. Having carefully read the definition of discrimination, have you been the victim of discrimination on the job in the past 12 months?

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 7 93 188014
2020 Department of National Defence 7 93 13882
2019 Public Service 8 92 181371
2019 Department of National Defence 7 93 13336
2018 Public Service 8 92 161188
2018 Department of National Defence 7 93 10555

Question 63a. From whom did you experience discrimination on the job? Co-workers

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 36 64 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 36 64 886
2019 Public Service 38 62 12977
2019 Department of National Defence 41 59 915
2018 Public Service 36 64 11806
2018 Department of National Defence 39 61 735

Question 63b. From whom did you experience discrimination on the job? Individuals with authority over me

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 77 23 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 74 26 886
2019 Public Service 76 24 12977
2019 Department of National Defence 73 27 915
2018 Public Service 77 23 11826
2018 Department of National Defence 76 24 735

Question 63c. From whom did you experience discrimination on the job? Individuals working for me

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 5 95 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 6 94 886
2019 Public Service 4 96 12977
2019 Department of National Defence 6 94 915
2018 Public Service 4 96 11797
2018 Department of National Defence 5 95 735

Question 63d. From whom did you experience discrimination on the job? Individuals for whom I have a custodial responsibility (e.g., inmates, offenders, patients, detainees)

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 3 97 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 0 100 886
2019 Public Service 3 97 12977
2019 Department of National Defence 1 99 915
2018 Public Service 4 96 11797
2018 Department of National Defence 1 99 735

Question 63e. From whom did you experience discrimination on the job? Individuals from other departments or agencies

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 11 89 886
2019 Public Service 8 92 12977
2019 Department of National Defence 10 90 915
2018 Public Service 7 93 11798
2018 Department of National Defence 10 90 735

Question 63f. From whom did you experience discrimination on the job? Members of the public (individuals or organizations)

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 5 95 886
2019 Public Service 9 91 12977
2019 Department of National Defence 7 93 915
2018 Public Service 9 91 11802
2018 Department of National Defence 4 96 735

Question 63g. From whom did you experience discrimination on the job? Other

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 9 91 886
2019 Public Service 9 91 12977
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 915
2018 Public Service 8 92 11798
2018 Department of National Defence 9 91 735

Question 64a. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Race

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 28 72 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 18 82 886
2019 Public Service 26 74 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 18 82 896
2018 Public Service 25 75 11790
2018 Department of National Defence 19 81 736

Question 64b. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. National or ethnic origin

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 20 80 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 15 85 886
2019 Public Service 20 80 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 16 84 896
2018 Public Service 20 80 11790
2018 Department of National Defence 16 84 735

Question 64c. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Colour

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 17 83 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 11 89 886
2019 Public Service 16 84 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 10 90 896
2018 Public Service 15 85 11786
2018 Department of National Defence 11 89 735

Question 64d. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Religion

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 6 94 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 5 95 886
2019 Public Service 6 94 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 6 94 896
2018 Public Service 6 94 11784
2018 Department of National Defence 5 95 735

Question 64e. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Age

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 26 74 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 25 75 886
2019 Public Service 29 71 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 32 68 896
2018 Public Service 26 74 11787
2018 Department of National Defence 27 73 735

Question 64f. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Sex

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 27 73 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 26 74 886
2019 Public Service 29 71 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 28 72 896
2018 Public Service 29 71 11792
2018 Department of National Defence 28 72 735

Question 64g. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Sexual orientation

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 4 96 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 3 97 886
2019 Public Service 4 96 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 5 95 896
2018 Public Service 4 96 11783
2018 Department of National Defence 3 97 735

Question 64h. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Gender identity or expression (including gender diverse identities or expressions such as transgender, two-spirit, or non-binary)

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 2 98 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 2 98 886
2019 Public Service 2 98 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 2 98 896
2018 Public Service 2 98 11782
2018 Department of National Defence 2 98 735

Question 64i. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Marital status

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 8 92 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 9 91 886
2019 Public Service 8 92 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 7 93 896
2018 Public Service 8 92 11785
2018 Department of National Defence 7 93 735

Question 64j. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Family status

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 18 82 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 17 83 886
2019 Public Service 15 85 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 13 87 896
2018 Public Service 15 85 11787
2018 Department of National Defence 13 87 735

Question 64k. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Genetic characteristics (including a requirement to undergo a genetic test, or disclose the results of a genetic test)

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 1 99 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 1 99 886
2019 Public Service 1 99 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 1 99 896
2018 Public Service 1 99 11782
2018 Department of National Defence 1 99 735

Question 64l. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Disability

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 16 84 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 14 86 886
2019 Public Service 17 83 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 17 83 896
2018 Public Service 17 83 11791
2018 Department of National Defence 20 80 735

Question 64m. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Pardoned conviction or suspended record

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 0 100 12245
2019 Public Service 0 100 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 1 99 896
2018 Public Service 0 100 11783
2018 Department of National Defence 1 99 735

Question 64n. Please indicate the type of discrimination you experienced. Other

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 18 82 12245
2020 Department of National Defence 27 73 886
2019 Public Service 18 82 12755
2019 Department of National Defence 24 76 896
2018 Public Service 19 81 11797
2018 Department of National Defence 25 75 735

Question 65a. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I discussed the matter with my supervisor or a senior manager.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 30 70 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 35 65 886
2019 Public Service 29 71 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 34 66 888
2018 Public Service 29 71 11822
2018 Department of National Defence 29 71 734

Question 65b. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I discussed the matter with the person(s) from whom I experienced the discrimination.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 14 86 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 17 83 886
2019 Public Service 14 86 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 17 83 888
2018 Public Service 15 85 11810
2018 Department of National Defence 15 85 734

Question 65c. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I contacted a human resources advisor in my department or agency.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 5 95 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 5 95 886
2019 Public Service 5 95 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 6 94 888
2018 Public Service 5 95 11809
2018 Department of National Defence 5 95 734

Question 65d. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I contacted my union representative.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 17 83 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 18 82 886
2019 Public Service 17 83 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 19 81 888
2018 Public Service 17 83 11817
2018 Department of National Defence 19 81 734

Question 65e. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I used an informal conflict resolution process.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 5 95 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 6 94 886
2019 Public Service 5 95 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 4 96 888
2018 Public Service 4 96 11805
2018 Department of National Defence 6 94 734

Question 65f. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I filed a grievance or formal complaint.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 6 94 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 8 92 886
2019 Public Service 6 94 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 7 93 888
2018 Public Service 6 94 11807
2018 Department of National Defence 9 91 734

Question 65g. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I resolved the matter informally on my own.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 7 93 886
2019 Public Service 9 91 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 9 91 888
2018 Public Service 9 91 11806
2018 Department of National Defence 8 92 734

Question 65h. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? Other

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 10 90 886
2019 Public Service 9 91 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 7 93 888
2018 Public Service 9 91 11808
2018 Department of National Defence 8 92 734

Question 65i. What action(s) did you take to address the discrimination you experienced? I took no action.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 48 52 12247
2020 Department of National Defence 44 56 886
2019 Public Service 49 51 12647
2019 Department of National Defence 45 55 888
2018 Public Service 49 51 11821
2018 Department of National Defence 47 53 735

Question 66a. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? The issue was resolved.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 5 95 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 7 93 817
2019 Public Service 6 94 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 5 95 773
2018 Public Service 5 95 11053
2018 Department of National Defence 5 95 668

Question 66b. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I did not think the incident was serious enough.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 15 85 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 16 84 817
2019 Public Service 15 85 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 16 84 773
2018 Public Service 13 87 11052
2018 Department of National Defence 13 87 668

Question 66c. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? The behaviour stopped.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 4 96 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 5 95 817
2019 Public Service 4 96 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 4 96 773
2018 Public Service 3 97 11049
2018 Department of National Defence 3 97 668

Question 66d. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? The individual apologized.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 3 97 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 3 97 817
2019 Public Service 3 97 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 4 96 773
2018 Public Service 2 98 11050
2018 Department of National Defence 2 98 668

Question 66e. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? Management intervened.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 3 97 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 5 95 817
2019 Public Service 3 97 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 4 96 773
2018 Public Service 3 97 11051
2018 Department of National Defence 2 98 668

Question 66f. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? The individual left or changed jobs.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 4 96 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 6 94 817
2019 Public Service 4 96 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 5 95 773
2018 Public Service 4 96 11049
2018 Department of National Defence 4 96 668

Question 66g. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I changed jobs.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 7 93 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 6 94 817
2019 Public Service 7 93 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 8 92 773
2018 Public Service 7 93 11051
2018 Department of National Defence 7 93 668

Question 66h. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I did not know what to do, where to go or whom to ask.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 13 87 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 13 87 817
2019 Public Service 11 89 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 13 87 773
2018 Public Service 11 89 11053
2018 Department of National Defence 13 87 668

Question 66i. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I was too distraught.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 11 89 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 11 89 817
2019 Public Service 10 90 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 9 91 773
2018 Public Service 11 89 11055
2018 Department of National Defence 12 88 668

Question 66j. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I had concerns about the formal complaint process (e.g., confidentiality, how long it would take).

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 28 72 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 27 73 817
2019 Public Service 27 73 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 23 77 773
2018 Public Service 27 73 11058
2018 Department of National Defence 27 73 668

Question 66k. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I was advised against filing a complaint.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 7 93 817
2019 Public Service 9 91 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 9 91 773
2018 Public Service 9 91 11054
2018 Department of National Defence 10 90 668

Question 66l. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I was afraid of reprisal (e.g., having limited career advancement, being labelled a troublemaker).

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 46 54 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 43 57 817
2019 Public Service 45 55 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 43 57 773
2018 Public Service 45 55 11069
2018 Department of National Defence 41 59 669

Question 66m. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? Someone threatened me.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 2 98 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 2 98 817
2019 Public Service 2 98 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 1 99 773
2018 Public Service 2 98 11050
2018 Department of National Defence 4 96 668

Question 66n. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I did not believe it would make a difference.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 63 37 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 63 37 817
2019 Public Service 62 38 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 59 41 773
2018 Public Service 64 36 11072
2018 Department of National Defence 67 33 668

Question 66o. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? I intend to file a grievance or a formal complaint but I have not done so yet.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 4 96 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 4 96 817
2019 Public Service 3 97 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 3 97 773
2018 Public Service 4 96 11051
2018 Department of National Defence 4 96 668

Question 66p. Why did you not file a grievance or formal complaint about the discrimination you experienced? Other

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 13 87 11497
2020 Department of National Defence 13 87 817
2019 Public Service 11 89 11129
2019 Department of National Defence 11 89 773
2018 Public Service 13 87 11050
2018 Department of National Defence 11 89 668

Question 67. I am satisfied with how matters related to discrimination are resolved in my department or agency.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 22 17 18 4 4 29 6 60 12 187795
2020 Department of National Defence 25 23 21 4 4 19 4 63 10 13866
2019 Public Service 20 16 21 4 4 27 7 55 13 181334
2019 Department of National Defence 23 20 23 5 5 19 5 57 12 13385
2018 Public Service 18 18 24 4 4 26 5 53 12 161075
2018 Department of National Defence 21 23 26 4 4 18 3 56 11 10550
2017 Public Service 17 18 20 4 4 30 7 56 12 174058
2017 Department of National Defence 22 25 22 4 4 19 5 61 10 12637
2014 Public Service 17 18 21 4 3 31 7 55 11 180669
2014 Department of National Defence 19 23 23 4 4 22 5 58 10 14756

Question 68. My department or agency works hard to create a workplace that prevents discrimination.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 36 30 16 4 3 9 1 73 9 187913
2020 Department of National Defence 38 31 17 5 3 5 1 74 8 13856
2019 Public Service 36 28 17 4 4 10 1 72 9 181260
2019 Department of National Defence 37 30 18 4 4 6 1 72 9 13361
2018 Public Service 30 31 19 5 4 10 1 69 10 161053
2018 Department of National Defence 34 32 20 4 4 6 1 70 9 10537
2017 Public Service 31 31 17 4 4 12 2 72 9 173835
2017 Department of National Defence 34 34 17 4 3 7 1 74 8 12629
2014 Public Service 28 30 18 4 3 15 2 70 9 180578
2014 Department of National Defence 29 32 20 5 3 10 1 69 9 14740

Of those who indicated that they were a victim of race-based discrimination:

Question 69. I am satisfied with how concerns or complaints about racism in the workplace are resolved in my department or agency.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 2 6 21 17 39 12 1 10 66 3416
2020 Department of National Defence 2 7 24 19 38 9 1 10 63 161
Top of page

Stress and Well-Being

Question 70a. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Risk of exposure to COVID-19

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 34 25 18 11 11 0 1 60 22 188246
2020 Department of National Defence 22 29 23 14 11 0 0 52 25 13905

Question 70b. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Pay or other compensation-related issues

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 33 28 19 10 9 0 1 62 19 187765
2020 Department of National Defence 33 28 19 11 10 0 0 61 21 13864
2019 Public Service 24 27 20 12 15 0 1 52 28 181595
2019 Department of National Defence 23 25 21 13 17 0 1 48 31 13384
2018 Public Service 21 24 22 14 18 0 1 46 32 161369
2018 Department of National Defence 19 22 21 15 20 0 1 42 36 10595
2017 Public Service 22 24 19 14 19 0 2 46 34 173880
2017 Department of National Defence 20 22 20 15 21 0 1 43 36 12619

Question 70c. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Heavy workload

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 21 27 25 15 11 0 1 48 26 188096
2020 Department of National Defence 26 29 23 13 9 0 0 55 22 13871
2019 Public Service 22 29 25 14 10 0 1 51 24 181495
2019 Department of National Defence 26 30 23 12 8 0 0 56 20 13376
2018 Public Service 18 27 28 16 11 0 1 45 27 161255
2018 Department of National Defence 22 29 27 13 9 0 1 51 22 10590
2017 Public Service 19 27 26 15 11 0 1 47 26 173933
2017 Department of National Defence 24 29 24 13 9 0 1 53 22 12621

Question 70d. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Unreasonable deadlines

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 31 29 20 11 7 0 2 61 18 187628
2020 Department of National Defence 36 31 19 9 5 0 1 67 14 13830
2019 Public Service 30 30 20 10 7 0 2 62 17 180654
2019 Department of National Defence 35 31 19 8 5 0 1 67 13 13307
2018 Public Service 25 29 24 13 8 0 2 55 21 160603
2018 Department of National Defence 29 32 22 11 5 0 1 62 16 10527
2017 Public Service 26 29 22 12 8 1 3 57 21 173555
2017 Department of National Defence 31 30 20 10 5 0 2 63 16 12576

Question 70e. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Not enough employees to do the work

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 27 24 21 14 12 1 1 52 26 187371
2020 Department of National Defence 26 24 21 14 14 0 1 50 28 13816
2019 Public Service 24 24 21 15 14 1 1 49 29 180774
2019 Department of National Defence 23 24 21 15 16 0 1 47 32 13327
2018 Public Service 20 23 23 17 15 1 1 44 32 160732
2018 Department of National Defence 20 23 23 16 17 0 1 43 34 10552
2017 Public Service 21 23 22 16 15 1 2 45 32 173886
2017 Department of National Defence 20 23 21 17 16 1 2 44 34 12613

Question 70f. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Overtime or long work hours

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 48 23 13 7 5 0 4 74 13 187251
2020 Department of National Defence 55 22 10 5 4 0 4 80 9 13824
2019 Public Service 52 22 11 5 4 0 5 78 10 180845
2019 Department of National Defence 57 21 10 4 3 0 6 83 7 13328
2018 Public Service 46 23 13 6 4 0 6 75 11 160698
2018 Department of National Defence 52 22 11 5 3 0 7 80 8 10555
2017 Public Service 44 23 13 6 4 1 9 75 11 173618
2017 Department of National Defence 49 23 11 4 3 1 10 80 8 12579

Question 70g. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Balancing work and personal life

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 30 27 21 12 10 0 1 58 21 187793
2020 Department of National Defence 39 28 18 8 6 0 1 67 15 13841
2019 Public Service 34 29 19 9 8 0 1 64 17 181228
2019 Department of National Defence 42 28 17 7 5 0 1 71 12 13336
2018 Public Service 30 27 21 11 9 0 1 58 20 161068
2018 Department of National Defence 37 28 19 9 6 0 1 66 15 10578
2017 Public Service 29 30 22 11 8 0 1 59 19 173457
2017 Department of National Defence 37 31 18 8 5 0 1 69 13 12566

Question 70h. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities (e.g., children, elderly, family member(s)) during the COVID-19 pandemic

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 33 23 18 10 9 0 6 60 21 187713
2020 Department of National Defence 37 24 17 9 7 0 6 66 16 13864

Question 70i. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Lack of control or input in decision-making

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 33 33 19 8 5 1 1 68 13 187500
2020 Department of National Defence 34 33 19 8 5 1 1 68 14 13860
2019 Public Service 30 34 20 9 5 1 1 65 15 181070
2019 Department of National Defence 30 35 20 9 5 0 1 66 14 13340
2018 Public Service 25 33 23 10 6 1 1 59 17 160799
2018 Department of National Defence 26 33 23 10 6 1 1 60 17 10541
2017 Public Service 27 32 22 11 6 1 2 60 18 173337
2017 Department of National Defence 29 32 21 10 5 1 1 63 16 12565

Question 70j. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Competing or constantly changing priorities

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 26 32 22 12 7 1 1 59 19 187397
2020 Department of National Defence 28 32 21 11 6 0 1 61 17 13835
2019 Public Service 25 32 22 12 7 1 1 58 19 180996
2019 Department of National Defence 25 33 22 12 7 0 1 59 19 13321
2018 Public Service 21 31 25 14 8 1 1 53 22 160760
2018 Department of National Defence 23 31 24 13 7 0 1 55 21 10531
2017 Public Service 22 31 23 14 8 1 2 54 22 173363
2017 Department of National Defence 24 31 23 13 7 0 1 56 21 12565

Question 70k. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Lack of clear expectations

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 33 31 19 10 6 0 1 65 16 187439
2020 Department of National Defence 34 31 18 10 6 0 1 66 16 13829
2019 Public Service 31 31 19 10 7 0 1 63 17 180843
2019 Department of National Defence 32 31 19 10 7 0 1 63 17 13307
2018 Public Service 27 31 22 12 7 0 1 59 19 160624
2018 Department of National Defence 28 30 21 11 7 0 1 59 19 10518
2017 Public Service 28 31 20 12 7 1 2 60 19 173428
2017 Department of National Defence 30 30 19 12 7 0 1 62 19 12572

Question 70l. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Lack of recognition

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 45 26 14 8 6 1 1 72 14 187021
2020 Department of National Defence 43 26 14 8 7 0 1 70 16 13817
2019 Public Service 42 27 15 8 7 1 1 69 16 180767
2019 Department of National Defence 40 27 15 9 8 0 1 68 17 13310

Question 70m. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Feeling disconnected from colleagues

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 30 30 21 11 6 0 1 61 17 187621
2020 Department of National Defence 36 30 18 9 5 0 1 67 15 13850

Question 70n. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Information overload

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 28 31 22 12 8 0 1 59 19 187551
2020 Department of National Defence 35 31 19 9 5 0 1 67 14 13852
2019 Public Service 33 31 19 10 6 0 1 65 16 180372
2019 Department of National Defence 37 33 17 8 4 0 1 71 12 13285
2018 Public Service 27 31 22 12 7 0 1 59 18 160191
2018 Department of National Defence 33 32 19 10 4 0 1 66 15 10505
2017 Public Service 28 31 21 11 7 1 2 61 18 173041
2017 Department of National Defence 34 31 18 9 5 1 2 67 14 12517

Question 70o. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Physical work environment

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 48 28 14 5 3 0 1 77 9 186877
2020 Department of National Defence 48 29 14 5 3 0 1 78 8 13791
2019 Public Service 52 24 12 5 4 0 1 78 10 180439
2019 Department of National Defence 51 26 13 5 3 0 1 79 8 13278
2018 Public Service 50 25 13 6 4 0 2 76 10 160099
2018 Department of National Defence 51 26 13 5 3 0 2 79 8 10480
2017 Public Service 52 24 13 6 4 0 2 77 9 173936
2017 Department of National Defence 53 27 12 5 2 0 1 81 7 12624

Question 70p. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Difficulty accessing my work tools or network (e.g., work email, work device, ergonomic equipment)

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 33 35 20 8 4 0 0 68 13 187065
2020 Department of National Defence 32 34 20 9 5 0 0 66 14 13811

Question 70q. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Accessibility or accommodation issues

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 68 17 7 2 2 1 4 89 4 186977
2020 Department of National Defence 67 18 7 2 1 1 4 89 4 13801
2019 Public Service 71 13 5 2 2 1 6 90 5 180422
2019 Department of National Defence 69 15 6 2 2 1 5 89 4 13263
2018 Public Service 67 16 7 3 3 1 5 87 6 160330
2018 Department of National Defence 66 18 7 2 2 1 4 88 5 10499

Question 70r. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Harassment or discrimination

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 76 10 5 3 3 1 3 89 6 186882
2020 Department of National Defence 76 12 5 3 3 1 2 89 6 13789
2019 Public Service 70 12 6 4 4 1 2 85 8 180981
2019 Department of National Defence 71 13 6 4 4 1 2 86 8 13328
2018 Public Service 67 14 7 4 4 1 3 84 9 160420
2018 Department of National Defence 68 14 7 4 5 1 2 84 9 10501
2017 Public Service 69 14 6 4 4 1 3 86 8 173910
2017 Department of National Defence 70 15 6 4 3 1 2 87 7 12623

Question 70s. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with my co-worker(s)

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 67 20 7 3 2 0 2 89 4 186557
2020 Department of National Defence 63 22 8 3 2 0 1 86 6 13761
2019 Public Service 56 26 10 4 3 0 1 84 6 180466
2019 Department of National Defence 53 28 11 4 3 0 1 82 7 13297
2018 Public Service 52 27 11 4 3 0 1 81 7 160968
2018 Department of National Defence 51 29 12 5 3 0 1 80 8 10551
2017 Public Service 53 28 10 4 3 0 2 83 7 173810
2017 Department of National Defence 51 29 10 5 3 0 1 82 7 12614

Question 70t. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with individual(s) with authority over me

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 66 16 8 4 4 0 1 84 9 186974
2020 Department of National Defence 62 18 8 5 5 0 1 82 10 13797
2019 Public Service 59 19 10 5 5 0 1 80 10 180189
2019 Department of National Defence 57 21 10 6 5 0 1 78 11 13280
2018 Public Service 53 22 11 6 6 0 1 76 12 160500
2018 Department of National Defence 51 23 12 7 6 0 1 74 13 10522
2017 Public Service 57 20 10 6 5 0 2 79 11 173819
2017 Department of National Defence 55 23 10 6 5 0 1 79 11 12623

Question 70u. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with individual(s) working for me

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 61 11 4 2 1 0 21 91 3 187272
2020 Department of National Defence 61 12 5 2 1 0 18 90 4 13823
2019 Public Service 58 12 5 2 1 0 22 90 4 179719
2019 Department of National Defence 57 13 5 2 1 0 21 89 4 13248
2018 Public Service 52 13 6 2 1 0 26 88 4 159765
2018 Department of National Defence 52 13 6 2 1 0 25 88 5 10468
2017 Public Service 53 13 5 2 1 0 25 89 4 173685
2017 Department of National Defence 55 14 5 2 1 0 22 89 4 12611

Question 70v. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Issue(s) with other individual(s) (e.g., members of the public, individuals from other departments or agencies)

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 68 18 7 2 1 0 3 89 4 187971
2020 Department of National Defence 67 20 7 2 1 0 3 90 3 13865
2019 Public Service 66 18 7 2 1 0 5 89 4 180276
2019 Department of National Defence 67 19 7 2 1 0 4 90 3 13281
2018 Public Service 61 20 9 3 2 0 6 86 4 160250
2018 Department of National Defence 62 21 7 2 1 0 5 88 4 10482
2017 Public Service 62 19 7 2 1 1 7 88 4 172926
2017 Department of National Defence 64 19 7 2 1 0 6 89 4 12554

Question 70w. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Lack of job security

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 68 16 7 4 4 0 2 86 8 188032
2020 Department of National Defence 75 15 5 2 2 0 1 91 4 13869
2019 Public Service 68 14 6 4 5 0 3 85 9 180902
2019 Department of National Defence 74 13 5 2 2 1 2 90 5 13314
2018 Public Service 64 15 7 4 5 0 4 83 10 160852
2018 Department of National Defence 70 15 6 3 3 0 3 88 6 10529
2017 Public Service 61 17 8 5 5 1 4 82 10 174018
2017 Department of National Defence 68 17 6 3 3 1 3 88 6 12628

Question 70x. Overall, to what extent do the following factors cause you stress at work? Personal issues

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 46 30 15 5 3 0 1 77 8 188018
2020 Department of National Defence 52 28 12 4 2 0 1 81 6 13870
2019 Public Service 53 27 12 4 2 0 2 82 6 180485
2019 Department of National Defence 57 25 10 3 2 0 2 85 5 13271
2018 Public Service 48 29 14 4 2 0 2 79 7 160646
2018 Department of National Defence 53 27 12 4 2 0 2 82 6 10508
2017 Public Service 49 29 12 4 2 0 3 81 6 173693
2017 Department of National Defence 54 28 10 3 2 0 2 84 5 12596

Question 71. To what extent is stress from the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacting your ability to carry out day-to-day work responsibilities?

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 27 40 22 7 4 0 0 67 11 188168
2020 Department of National Defence 25 41 22 8 4 0 0 66 11 13888

Question 72. Overall, my level of work-related stress is...

Survey year Organization Very low
(%)
Low
(%)
Moderate
(%)
High
(%)
Very High
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 14 33 34 13 5 0 0 48 18 188144
2020 Department of National Defence 18 35 31 12 5 0 0 52 17 13880
2019 Public Service 17 34 33 12 4 0 0 50 17 181789
2019 Department of National Defence 21 34 30 11 4 0 0 55 15 13398
2018 Public Service 13 31 36 14 5 0 0 45 19 161633
2018 Department of National Defence 18 32 32 12 5 0 0 50 17 10613
2017 Public Service 12 30 38 14 6 0 0 42 20 174252
2017 Department of National Defence 16 31 35 12 5 0 0 48 17 12663

Question 73. After my workday, I feel emotionally drained.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 11 20 38 21 9 0 0 31 31 187534
2020 Department of National Defence 10 18 35 24 12 0 0 36 29 13839
2019 Public Service 10 18 38 23 11 0 0 34 29 180286
2019 Department of National Defence 9 16 35 25 13 0 0 39 26 13210
2018 Public Service 10 20 38 22 10 0 0 32 30 159815
2018 Department of National Defence 9 18 35 24 13 0 0 38 27 10465
2017 Public Service 9 20 39 22 10 0 0 32 29 173657
2017 Department of National Defence 8 18 38 23 12 0 1 36 26 12585

Question 74. My department or agency does a good job of raising awareness of mental health in the workplace.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 40 39 11 5 3 1 0 81 8 187949
2020 Department of National Defence 35 39 15 6 3 1 0 75 10 13880
2019 Public Service 31 40 15 8 4 2 0 73 12 181158
2019 Department of National Defence 28 39 18 8 5 2 0 68 13 13354
2018 Public Service 29 40 16 8 4 2 0 71 13 161108
2018 Department of National Defence 27 39 18 9 5 2 0 67 14 10561
2017 Public Service 24 40 16 9 6 4 0 67 15 173983
2017 Department of National Defence 23 38 19 9 6 3 0 64 16 12617

Question 75. I believe senior managers in my department or agency take adequate steps to support the mental health of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 35 32 14 10 6 3 0 70 16 187564
2020 Department of National Defence 33 33 16 10 6 2 0 68 16 13859

Question 76. I would feel comfortable sharing concerns with my immediate supervisor about my mental health.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 39 28 12 11 8 1 1 69 20 187730
2020 Department of National Defence 37 28 13 11 9 1 0 66 20 13867

Question 77. My immediate supervisor supports my mental health and well-being.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 48 27 13 4 4 3 1 79 8 187225
2020 Department of National Defence 45 28 14 5 4 3 1 75 10 13797

Question 78. I would describe my workplace as being psychologically healthy.

A psychologically healthy workplace is one that promotes employees’ psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to employee psychological health due to negligent, reckless or intentional acts.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 34 33 15 10 7 2 0 68 17 188058
2020 Department of National Defence 32 33 16 10 7 1 0 66 17 13879
2019 Public Service 25 35 17 13 9 2 0 61 22 181482
2019 Department of National Defence 24 36 18 12 8 1 0 60 21 13375
2018 Public Service 23 35 18 13 10 2 0 59 23 161341
2018 Department of National Defence 23 35 19 13 9 1 0 59 22 10580
2017 Public Service 18 37 17 14 11 2 0 56 26 174038
2017 Department of National Defence 20 37 19 13 9 2 0 58 23 12635

Question 79a. I feel that the information I receive from my department or agency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is... Clear and easy to understand.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 39 39 10 8 3 0 0 78 12 188293
2020 Department of National Defence 37 39 11 10 3 0 0 76 13 13903

Question 79b. I feel that the information I receive from my department or agency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is... Provided in a timely manner.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 38 37 12 9 4 1 0 76 13 187495
2020 Department of National Defence 38 36 12 10 4 0 0 74 14 13850

Question 79c. I feel that the information I receive from my department or agency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is... Relevant to the work that I do.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 35 37 17 6 3 1 1 74 9 186885
2020 Department of National Defence 35 37 17 7 3 1 1 73 10 13786

Question 79d. I feel that the information I receive from my department or agency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is... Consistent with the information provided to me by my immediate supervisor.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 45 34 12 4 2 1 1 81 7 187583
2020 Department of National Defence 43 34 13 6 3 1 1 78 9 13848

Question 79e. I feel that the information I receive from my department or agency related to the COVID-19 pandemic is... Available in both official languages.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 65 18 6 1 1 7 3 92 2 187791
2020 Department of National Defence 57 19 8 2 1 8 4 87 3 13859

Question 80. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my department or agency has clearly communicated the mental health services and resources that are available to me.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 50 33 9 5 2 2 0 84 7 187455
2020 Department of National Defence 41 32 14 8 4 2 0 74 12 13829

Question 81. I would feel comfortable sharing concerns with my immediate supervisor about my physical health and safety.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 50 29 9 7 5 1 0 80 12 187389
2020 Department of National Defence 46 30 10 8 5 1 0 77 14 13808

Question 82. I am satisfied with the measures my department or agency is taking to protect my physical health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 52 28 9 6 4 1 0 81 10 187701
2020 Department of National Defence 45 31 10 8 5 1 0 76 13 13830

Question 84. I am equipped to support employees in my work unit who are experiencing mental health issues. (for supervisors)

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 23 47 13 12 3 1 1 71 15 44705
2020 Department of National Defence 26 47 12 11 3 1 1 73 14 3767
2019 Public Service 21 45 14 12 4 2 2 68 17 41266
2019 Department of National Defence 22 45 15 11 4 1 2 69 16 3429

Question 85. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, have you managed any employees who have been working remotely? (for supervisors)

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 89 11 44722
2020 Department of National Defence 82 18 3770

Question 86. My department or agency has provided me with adequate training and/or resources to manage a remote team during the COVID-19 pandemic. (for supervisors who manage employees who have been working remotely)

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 20 35 18 18 8 0 0 56 26 41680
2020 Department of National Defence 24 41 16 13 5 0 0 66 18 3279
Top of page

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 87. Having carefully read the definition of duty to accommodate, did you have workplace accommodation measures in place before the COVID-19 pandemic which are no longer being met?

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 9 91 187153
2020 Department of National Defence 11 89 13837

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

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 13 87 187417
2020 Department of National Defence 12 88 13840
2019 Public Service 16 84 181509
2019 Department of National Defence 15 85 13365
2017 Public Service 17 83 173939
2017 Department of National Defence 15 85 12632
2014 Public Service 15 85 180286
2014 Department of National Defence 15 85 14718

Question 89. Were the requests for workplace accommodation measures related to a disability?

A disability means any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.

A barrier means anything — including anything physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice — that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation.

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 50 50 24105
2020 Department of National Defence 48 52 1644

Question 90. Were any workplace accommodation measures implemented?

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 79 21 24104
2020 Department of National Defence 75 25 1639
2019 Public Service 81 19 29087
2019 Department of National Defence 79 21 2043
2017 Public Service 78 22 29537
2017 Department of National Defence 75 25 1950
2014 Public Service 78 22 27355
2014 Department of National Defence 77 23 2185

Question 91. I am satisfied with the workplace accommodation measures that were implemented.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 48 33 8 7 3 0 0 82 10 19149
2020 Department of National Defence 46 35 10 6 2 0 0 82 8 1250
2019 Public Service 48 32 6 9 4 0 0 80 13 23401
2019 Department of National Defence 48 32 7 8 4 0 0 81 13 1595
2017 Public Service 46 35 6 8 4 1 1 82 12 23169
2017 Department of National Defence 45 35 7 7 5 0 0 81 12 1479
2014 Public Service 50 32 6 7 4 0 0 83 11 21409
2014 Department of National Defence 50 32 6 7 3 0 0 83 10 1693

Question 92. I would feel comfortable requesting workplace accommodation measures from my immediate supervisor.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 48 30 9 5 3 2 3 82 8 187986
2020 Department of National Defence 44 31 11 5 3 2 3 79 9 13877
Top of page

Compensation

Question 93. In the last 12 months, has your pay or other compensation been affected by issues with the Phoenix pay system?

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Not sure
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 29 50 20 1 63 37 188516
2020 Department of National Defence 32 51 16 1 61 39 13908

Of those who indicated that their pay or other compensation had been affected:

Question 94. Have all your pay or other compensation issues been resolved?

Survey year Organization Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 37 63 53712
2020 Department of National Defence 34 66 4261

Of those who indicated that their pay or other compensation had been affected:

Question 95. I am satisfied with the support (e.g., regular information, follow-up, making enquiries on my behalf, offering emergency or priority pay) I received from my department or agency to help resolve my pay or other compensation issues.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 11 20 17 20 26 1 4 34 49 53684
2020 Department of National Defence 11 21 17 20 27 1 3 33 49 4256

Of those who indicated that their pay or other compensation had been affected:

Question 96. I am satisfied with the support I received from the Pay Centre to help resolve my pay or other compensation issues.

Survey year Organization 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
2020 Public Service 7 16 15 21 36 1 3 24 60 53711
2020 Department of National Defence 6 17 15 22 38 1 2 23 61 4259

Question 97. To what extent have issues with the Phoenix pay system affected your decision to seek or accept another position (e.g., deployment, promotion, secondment, assignment, acting assignment) within your organization or the federal public service?

Survey year Organization Not at all
(%)
To a small extent
(%)
To a moderate extent
(%)
To a large extent
(%)
To a very large extent
(%)
Don't know
(%)
Not applicable
(%)
Most positive or least negative answers
(%)
Least positive or most negative answers
(%)
Total responses
2020 Public Service 45 18 12 7 6 2 10 71 15 188101
2020 Department of National Defence 44 17 12 8 8 2 9 69 17 13890
2019 Public Service 42 18 14 9 10 1 7 65 20 179367
2019 Department of National Defence 40 17 14 10 11 1 6 62 23 13153
2018 Public Service 42 16 13 9 11 1 8 63 22 161026
2018 Department of National Defence 40 15 14 10 13 1 7 60 25 10528
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