Public Servant Lifestyle

A third of UK public sector workers are bored for most of the time, according to new research from global HR consultancy DDI.

The study shows that a similar number plan to move jobs within the next 12 months, confirming the link between employee loyalty and stimulating work.

DDI conducted the online poll of 1,069 employees across all sectors, including 481 public sector employees, in early January. The research aims to establish employees levels of commitment to their employers as the recession gradually gives way.

The main findings are:

A third of UK public sector workers plan to move jobs within the next 12 months.

A third of public sector employees are bored at work most of the time, and a similar number find their job so easy they can do it 'standing on their head'.

One in five public sector employees express little or no commitment to their employer.

More than one in three people working in the public sector disagree that, if they resigned, their employer would try and persuade them to stay. One in 10 believes that their employer would welcome their resignation.

As many as one in five public sector employees don't get on with their boss.

Despite painting a negative picture of employees¹ commitment levels, the research also clearly indicates what employers in all sectors can do to avoid a mass exodus over the next 12 months.

Slow career progress and a lack of development opportunities, as well as poor or non-existent feedback on their performance, are among the factors most likely to make employees walk:

More than one in five (21%) claim that feeling under-appreciated has made them less committed to their organisation. Meanwhile, only 3% suggest that stress has had a similar effect.

Just over half say that their careers are progressing too slowly, and that they don't receive the variety of work and opportunities to develop their skills. A third feel they don't receive appropriate training for their role. Compared to those in the private sector, those working for public sector and not-for-profit organisations are significantly more likely to feel proud of their employer. People in these groups are the most likely to believe that their work is worthwhile.

Commenting on the research, Steve Newhall, UK managing director of DDI, says: "This research contains some good news for public sector employers. It shows that to get staff to perform to their full potential, you don't just have to throw money at them, which is impossible when budgets are tight.

"What's more, our respondents have suggested that they're hungry for more challenging work and opportunities to develop new skills. Helping them achieve this will increase their loyalty, and at the same time help organisations meet tough productivity targets."

To read about the findings of the Commission for Health Improvement on job satisfaction in the NHS, click here.

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