A combined Workplace Climate-Employee Engagement Survey

The theoretical model underlying the JRA Best Workplaces in Aged Care Survey involves the measurement of workplace climate and its effects on employee engagement.

Employee Engagement

Employee Engagement refers to the level of personal 'connectedness' an employee feels towards their organisation. Engaged employees are the ones displaying real enthusiasm about their jobs and the organisation employing them. Ultimately, organisations that can foster strong levels of engagement amongst their employees reap the benefits of improved productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

The JRA Best Workplaces in Aged Care Survey measures employee engagement using a 3-component model, assessing cognitive, emotional and behavioural engagement. The 6-item engagement measure is contained in the final section of the survey titled Overall Perceptions.

Overall Perceptions (Employee Engagement)

• This organisation inspires me to do the best I can in my job every day
• Overall, I'm satisfied with my job
• I take an active interest in what happens in this organisation
• I feel inspired to go the extra mile to help this organisation succeed
• I feel a sense of commitment to this organisation
• Overall, I would recommend this organisation as a great place to work

Workplace Climate

Workplace climate is measured by the other 54 items in the questionnaire. Respondents are asked to rate observable aspects of the work environment, such as communication, teamwork, job design, learning and development, and so on. These 54 items reflect a standardised way upon which to assess both people’s perceptions of ‘what it’s like to work here’ and how such perceptions affect employee engagement. Employee reactions to some of the items can be directly influenced with interventions (such as "We celebrate success in this organisation"), whereas others must be approached indirectly (such as "I feel a sense of belonging to this organisation").

Measuring workplace climate with a comprehensive (but not overwhelming) questionnaire gives you the best opportunity to identify and improve aspects of your organisation's functioning. The ultimate goal is building a workplace full of engaged employees.

More information

JRA's March 2010 publication Employee Engagement: We're All In This Together explores the issues that organisations face during tough economic times and how these can be tackled effectively. After a short look at initiatives themed around the four pillars of JRA’s Anatomy of a Great Workplace™ model (Vision & Values, Sense of Community, Developing People and Performance Culture), the publication highlights the performance of specific sectors and gives practical examples of organisations within those sectors that have pulled through the recession while maintaining (and some cases even improving) engagement levels, and all of whom have demonstrated a ‘we’re all in this together’ attitude. Click here to download an electronic version, or contact us to be sent a hard copy version (please provide full postal details).

JRA's December 2008 publication Employee Engagement: Stories of Success is a practically-focused publication that explores ‘Stories of Success’; that is, how a diverse range of organisations have successfully strengthened alignment around the four pillars of JRA’s Anatomy of a Great Workplace™ model - Vision and Values; Sense of Community; Developing People and Performance Culture. Click here to download an electronic version, or contact us to be sent a hard copy version (please provide full postal details).

JRA's March 2008 publication Employee Engagement: From Insight to Action continues and extends the story started in our 2007 publication. After reinforcing the importance of employee engagement and our model, our "Blue Book" goes on to discuss using your survey results to improve engagement - the post-survey process, with case studies. Click here to download an electronic version, or contact us to be sent a hard copy version (please provide full postal details).

JRA's 2007 publication Employee Engagement: Driving Organisation Performance provides more detail on employee engagement and the potential financial payoff of building a workforce of engaged employees. Click here to download an electronic version, or contact us to be sent a hard copy version (please provide full postal details).