South Australia Police is working towards a comprehensive action plan to ensure employee satisfaction in the coming years.
Results of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment People Matter Employee Survey show SAPOL's workforce feel secure in their roles, with 63 per cent showing an intent to stay in the organisation for at least the next three years.
The survey – which ran from 28 February to 27 March 2024 - was completed by almost 60 per cent of employees, which included public sector employees, police officers, and police security officers.
The number of employees who expressed an Intent to Stay was 63 per cent, six per cent higher than the results from across the South Australian Public Sector.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said the participation rate showed a genuine willingness by staff to contribute to the future direction of the organisation. He said the results were mixed, reflecting some positive views and other areas of improvement.
"We acknowledge that the issues identified are complex and solutions will take time, but we are committed to working together to address them through a comprehensive action plan," Commissioner Stevens said.
"The challenging environment shaped by multiple social changes have resulted in significant change in our policing landscape, which have impacted employee sentiment.
"It is pleasing to see most staff feel secure and intend to remain dedicated to South Australia Police and continue their careers with our organisation."
SAPOL scored higher than the sector average in our culture alignment around maintaining ethical standards and accountability, scoring 93 per cent (6 per cent higher than the sector average), and 79 per cent of respondents are clear on what is expected of them at work.
Further results are reflective of the complex issues SAPOL employees face, as work demands increase but resources have not kept pace.
Other results include:
- Wellbeing 26 per cent
- Engagement 41 per cent
- Leadership 34 per cent
- Management capability 58 per cent
- Employer of Choice 51 per cent
- Deliver (manage well) 58 per cent
- Values 45 per cent
SAPOL will work with employees to ensure positive change in any planned action plans.
"Our employee's confidence in the future of SAPOL is critical to ensuring its success and maintaining the high level of respect the community already has in us," Commissioner Stevens added.
Results for across the SA Public Sector are available at People Matter Employee Survey 2024 (publicsector.sa.gov.au)
