2020 Public Service Employee Survey Results by Theme for Communications Security Establishment Canada by Question 106. Please indicate your occupational group and level. Occupational group and level - Student

The results of the 2020 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) are presented by key people management themes (i.e., employee engagement, leadership, workforce, workplace). 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.

Table of contents

Top of page

Employee engagement

Employee engagement

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 50 33 8 8 3 0 0 83 10 40
2017 Student 73 23 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 50 36 11 4 0 0 0 86 4 28

Question 11. Overall, I feel valued at work.

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 50 33 8 8 3 0 0 83 10 40
2017 Student 63 27 7 0 3 0 0 90 3 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 63 23 13 0 3 0 0 85 3 40
2017 Student 73 23 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 68 21 7 0 4 0 0 89 4 28

Question 16. Overall, I like my job.

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 70 18 8 3 3 0 0 88 5 40
2017 Student 77 20 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 61 32 0 0 4 4 0 96 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 83 10 3 3 3 0 0 93 5 40
2017 Student 80 13 3 0 3 0 0 93 3 30
2014 Student 82 14 0 0 0 4 0 100 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 83 10 3 3 3 0 0 93 5 40
2017 Student 83 13 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 71 25 0 0 0 4 0 100 0 28

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 68 18 10 3 3 0 0 85 5 40
2017 Student 67 20 3 0 3 3 3 93 4 30
2014 Student 54 21 11 4 0 11 0 84 4 28
Top of page

Leadership

Immediate supervisor

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 38 35 15 5 0 0 8 78 5 40

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 50 30 15 5 0 0 0 80 5 40
2017 Student 73 20 3 0 3 0 0 93 3 30
2014 Student 75 18 7 0 0 0 0 93 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 53 38 5 5 0 0 0 90 5 40
2017 Student 80 17 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 68 29 4 0 0 0 0 96 0 28

Senior management

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 60 25 3 3 0 10 0 94 3 40
2017 Student 60 20 7 0 0 13 0 92 0 30
2014 Student 63 15 0 0 0 22 0 100 0 27

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 53 28 13 3 0 5 0 84 3 40
2017 Student 55 28 7 0 0 10 0 92 0 29
2014 Student 57 36 0 0 0 7 0 100 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 35 30 13 8 3 13 0 74 11 40
2017 Student 47 20 10 3 0 20 0 83 4 30
2014 Student 54 25 0 0 0 21 0 100 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 38 23 8 18 3 13 0 69 23 40
2017 Student 40 37 3 7 0 13 0 88 8 30
2014 Student 54 36 7 0 0 4 0 93 0 28
Top of page

Workforce

Performance management

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 60 23 8 8 3 0 0 83 10 40
2017 Student 57 37 3 0 3 0 0 93 3 30
2014 Student 57 29 4 0 4 0 7 92 4 28

Question 9. I have clear work objectives.

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 45 33 10 10 3 0 0 78 13 40
2017 Student 37 43 13 7 0 0 0 80 7 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 40 38 10 10 3 0 0 78 13 40
2017 Student 73 20 3 0 3 0 0 93 3 30
2014 Student 61 29 7 0 0 0 4 93 0 28

Job fit and development

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 51 26 5 10 8 0 0 77 18 39
2017 Student 43 47 3 3 3 0 0 90 7 30
2014 Student 46 43 7 0 0 0 4 93 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 50 33 8 5 0 5 0 87 5 40
2017 Student 67 20 10 0 0 3 0 90 0 30
2014 Student 61 29 4 0 0 4 4 96 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 45 33 10 3 3 3 5 84 5 40
2017 Student 55 17 7 0 0 7 14 91 0 29
2014 Student 64 25 0 7 0 0 4 93 7 28

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 65 10 13 0 0 0 13 86 0 40

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 63 20 5 3 3 0 8 89 5 40

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 87 3 3 0 0 0 8 97 0 39

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 83 10 0 0 0 0 8 100 0 40

Empowerment

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 53 28 8 10 3 0 0 80 13 40
2017 Student 63 23 7 3 3 0 0 87 7 30
2014 Student 50 29 14 7 0 0 0 79 7 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 50 33 13 3 3 0 0 83 5 40
2017 Student 63 33 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 54 32 11 0 4 0 0 86 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 58 30 10 0 3 0 0 88 3 40
2017 Student 60 33 0 3 3 0 0 93 7 30
2014 Student 64 25 7 0 4 0 0 89 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 48 38 13 0 3 0 0 85 3 40
2017 Student 50 47 0 0 0 3 0 100 0 30

Work-life balance and workload

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 60 25 5 3 5 0 3 87 8 40
2017 Student 73 13 3 3 0 0 7 93 4 30
2014 Student 54 32 4 0 4 4 4 92 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 85 15 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 40
2017 Student 77 20 3 0 0 0 0 97 0 30
2014 Student 68 25 4 0 0 4 0 96 0 28

Mobility and retention

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

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Not sure
(%)
Total responses
2019 Student 30 35 35 40
2017 Student 23 30 47 30
2014 Student 36 25 39 28

Question 54. Please indicate your reason for leaving.

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 0 8 0 0 92 0 12
2014 Student 0 20 10 20 9999 50 10
Top of page

Workplace

Organizational goals

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 60 25 10 3 3 0 0 85 5 40
2017 Student 60 27 3 3 7 0 0 87 10 30
2014 Student 61 29 7 0 4 0 0 89 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 68 23 0 5 3 3 0 92 8 40
2017 Student 67 30 0 3 0 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 68 25 4 4 0 0 0 93 4 28

Organizational performance

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 3 5 28 38 28 0 0 65 8 40
2017 Student 0 3 27 40 23 3 3 68 4 30
2014 Student 0 0 39 39 21 0 0 61 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 0 8 13 28 53 0 0 80 8 40
2017 Student 0 7 7 33 53 0 0 87 7 30
2014 Student 0 0 11 43 39 0 7 88 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 3 15 35 15 33 0 0 48 18 40
2017 Student 3 7 30 30 27 3 0 59 10 30
2014 Student 4 11 25 25 32 4 0 59 15 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 0 0 3 40 58 0 0 98 0 40
2017 Student 3 0 7 33 53 0 3 90 3 30
2014 Student 0 0 4 36 61 0 0 96 0 28

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 0 8 25 13 53 3 0 67 8 40
2017 Student 0 3 10 33 47 0 7 86 4 30
2014 Student 4 0 11 39 46 0 0 86 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 3 8 18 18 53 0 3 72 10 40
2017 Student 0 0 7 20 43 23 7 90 0 30
2014 Student 0 0 18 18 61 0 4 81 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 0 15 18 26 41 0 0 67 15 39
2017 Student 3 10 23 33 20 10 0 59 15 30
2014 Student 4 7 32 21 32 0 4 56 11 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 5 8 31 26 31 0 0 56 13 39

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 46 33 10 8 0 3 0 82 8 39

Diversity and inclusion

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 68 18 5 10 0 0 0 85 10 40
2017 Student 77 17 3 0 3 0 0 93 3 30
2014 Student 71 11 7 7 4 0 0 82 11 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 78 18 3 3 0 0 0 95 3 40
2017 Student 80 17 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 79 14 4 4 0 0 0 93 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 73 18 5 3 0 3 0 92 3 40

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 67 26 5 0 3 0 0 92 3 39
2017 Student 73 17 3 0 3 3 0 93 3 30
2014 Student 79 18 0 0 0 4 0 100 0 28

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 75 15 8 0 0 3 0 92 0 40
2017 Student 70 23 0 0 3 3 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 71 14 0 0 0 11 4 100 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 82 13 3 0 3 0 0 95 3 39
2017 Student 90 7 0 0 3 0 0 97 3 30
2014 Student 75 21 4 0 0 0 0 96 0 28

Ethical workplace

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 56 23 8 5 0 0 8 86 6 39
2017 Student 60 10 7 3 0 3 17 88 4 30
2014 Student 61 18 4 4 4 4 7 88 8 28

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 67 21 10 0 3 0 0 87 3 39
2017 Student 66 24 3 0 0 3 3 96 0 29
2014 Student 68 21 4 4 0 0 4 93 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 75 15 10 0 0 0 0 90 0 40

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 58 20 13 3 3 3 3 82 5 40
2017 Student 50 30 10 0 3 3 3 86 4 30
2014 Student 50 21 7 0 0 11 11 91 0 28

Physical environment and equipment

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 63 25 3 5 5 0 0 88 10 40
2017 Student 70 27 3 0 0 0 0 97 0 30
2014 Student 50 29 7 7 7 0 0 79 14 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 59 31 3 0 8 0 0 90 8 39
2017 Student 83 13 3 0 0 0 0 97 0 30
2014 Student 68 18 7 4 4 0 0 86 7 28

Use of official languages

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 Demographic 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
2017 Student 93 7 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 30
2014 Student 61 25 11 0 4 0 0 86 4 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 45 20 5 5 3 20 3 84 10 40

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 40 13 10 0 0 28 10 84 0 40
2017 Student 30 7 10 0 0 33 20 79 0 30
2014 Student 21 21 7 0 0 32 18 86 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 48 20 20 0 0 8 5 77 0 40
2017 Student 50 30 7 0 0 10 3 92 0 30
2014 Student 46 21 7 0 0 25 0 90 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 38 15 10 3 0 25 10 81 4 40
2017 Student 45 7 7 0 0 28 14 88 0 29
2014 Student 43 11 4 0 0 21 21 94 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 48 28 13 0 0 10 3 86 0 40
2017 Student 63 20 3 0 0 13 0 96 0 30
2014 Student 50 14 4 0 0 21 11 95 0 28

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

Survey year Demographic Yes
(%)
No
(%)
Total responses
2019 Student 3 98 40
Top of page

Workplace well-being

A psychologically healthy workplace

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 30 38 10 15 3 5 0 71 18 40
2017 Student 37 40 7 0 3 13 0 88 4 30

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 45 30 18 5 0 3 0 77 5 40
2017 Student 53 33 7 0 0 7 0 93 0 30

Work-related stress

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 35 30 15 10 5 0 5 68 16 40
2017 Student 43 30 17 7 3 0 0 73 10 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 55 25 20 0 0 0 0 80 0 40
2017 Student 57 33 10 0 0 0 0 90 0 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 73 18 10 0 0 0 0 90 0 40
2017 Student 70 20 7 3 0 0 0 90 3 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 48 25 18 8 3 0 0 73 10 40
2017 Student 57 37 0 0 3 3 0 97 3 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 77 21 0 0 0 0 3 100 0 39
2017 Student 77 13 0 0 0 0 10 100 0 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 60 15 18 5 3 0 0 75 8 40
2017 Student 60 17 17 3 0 3 0 79 3 30

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 58 25 10 5 3 0 0 83 8 40
2017 Student 70 20 3 3 0 3 0 93 3 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 50 40 8 3 0 0 0 90 3 40
2017 Student 69 24 3 0 0 3 0 96 0 29

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 35 30 25 8 3 0 0 65 10 40
2017 Student 37 40 17 0 3 3 0 79 3 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 73 13 5 5 5 0 0 85 10 40

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 51 26 18 5 0 0 0 77 5 39
2017 Student 40 30 27 0 0 3 0 72 0 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 75 20 5 0 0 0 0 95 0 40
2017 Student 73 23 3 0 0 0 0 97 0 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 88 8 3 0 0 0 3 97 0 40

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 80 10 8 3 0 0 0 90 3 40
2017 Student 93 3 0 0 0 3 0 100 0 29

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 85 5 5 5 0 0 0 90 5 40
2017 Student 77 17 3 0 3 0 0 93 3 30

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 85 5 8 3 0 0 0 90 3 40
2017 Student 87 7 0 0 3 0 3 97 3 30

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 79 3 0 0 0 0 18 100 0 38
2017 Student 77 3 0 0 3 0 17 96 4 30

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 83 10 0 5 0 0 3 95 5 40
2017 Student 83 17 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 29

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 63 10 18 8 3 0 0 73 10 40
2017 Student 57 23 10 3 0 0 7 86 4 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 65 20 10 3 0 0 3 87 3 40
2017 Student 83 17 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 43 30 28 0 0 0 0 73 0 40
2017 Student 23 63 10 3 0 0 0 87 3 30

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

Survey year Demographic 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
2019 Student 5 10 28 30 28 0 0 58 15 40
2017 Student 0 0 27 47 23 3 0 72 0 30
Top of page

Compensation

Pay or other compensation issues

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 Demographic 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
2019 Student 43 10 8 5 5 3 28 75 14 40
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