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HAPPY DAYS: Results of the Defence Attitude Survey have highlighted areas that can be improved. |
Volume
49, No. 15, August 24 , 2006
More than a thousand Navy people contributed to improving service life through their participation in the 2005 Defence Attitude Survey (DAS) late last year.
The findings are of particular interest given the continual effort to improve the working life of Navy people.
“On the whole, the responses indicate that the majority of Navy people remain positive on the range of topics surveyed including leadership, career management, life in Defence, performance management, Occupational Health and Safety and Equity and Diversity,” Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN, said.
“The survey responses highlight areas where improvement strategies can be directed and they act as the catalyst for developing new workforce policies, such as the Sea Change Program.”
Impact from the Sea Change initiatives was not expected to be evident in the responses to this survey, as the program was only launched in November 2004.
However, the influence of the Local Career Management Centres has already shown greater satisfaction through improved “access to career managers”.
The survey findings also indicate that salary is an important issue for Navy members.
“Navy is committed to continually reviewing and improving the employment packages provided to its members, in order to make them as attractive as possible to retain our existing workforce,” VADM Shalders said.
In addition to Navy-led financial measures, the Defence Remuneration Review Project addresses salary and employment packages.
“I recognise that members’ ability to balance their work and personal lives is becoming increasingly important, as is family and geographic stability,” VADM Shalders said.
“The responses indicate that Navy is getting better at helping its members manage the balance between their work and personal lives but we need to continue our efforts in this area.
“I appreciate that this is particularly challenging for Navy in comparison with other services, with large numbers of personnel typically away from home for three to six months at a time.
“Navy recognises that workload continues to be perceived as high and that the increased military operational tempo is affecting members’ ability to address their work and personal life balance.
“A key priority is to continue to attract high-calibre new people to Navy.
“The previous survey responses that indicated a need to improve Navy’s communication as an organisation, have been addressed through, amongst other initiatives, the ongoing development of the Navy People Online internet website to keep members and their families informed on news, events and information and improved Internet and email connectivity at sea,” VADM Shalders said.
The Navy People Central website has also been created (access through PMKeyS Self Service) to give members even greater access to conditions, posting, career management, and training information and resources.
“I trust that all Navy people understand the great importance placed on meeting their needs and expectations, and that Navy is continually striving to improve our conditions of service,” VADM Shalders said.
The 2006 Defence Attitude Survey will be conducted later in the year. Those who are asked to complete the survey are strongly encouraged to contribute to improving service life and having a say in Navy conditions of service through their response.
