Improving staff retention in government

Today, Australian government departments face unprecedented challenges. From managing public expectations to navigating complex regulatory environments, the pressure to deliver efficient and effective services to citizens has never been more critical. The success of government departments hinges not only on effective policies and resources but also on the wellbeing and capability of their employees.

Empowering staff is not just a managerial strategy; it’s a fundamental approach that drives enhanced performance, innovation and adaptability. Here are several reasons why government departments must prioritise employee empowerment to unlock their full potential to achieve better outcomes.

Enhanced performance and productivity

Empowered employees are more likely to take initiative, think creatively and solve problems effectively. This potential for creativity and problem solving is not just a benefit: it’s also inspiring.

Employees who feel trusted and valued are motivated to go above and beyond their job descriptions. This leads to higher productivity and better performance overall. For instance, when frontline workers in a government agency are empowered to make decisions, they can address issues more swiftly and efficiently, reducing bottlenecks and improving service delivery, providing a sense of reassurance in the face of challenges.

Increased job satisfaction and retention

Job satisfaction is closely linked to empowerment. When employees have a say in how they perform their tasks and are given the tools and authority to do their jobs well, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their work. This satisfaction translates into higher retention rates, which is crucial for government departments that often struggle with high turnover.

Retaining experienced employees means maintaining institutional knowledge and continuity, which are not just vital, but also provide a sense of security for long-term success, underscoring the significance of each employee’s role in the department’s success.

Better decision-making

Empowering employees often involves delegating authority and encouraging autonomous decision-making. This can lead to more informed and timely decisions, as employees on the front line are usually best positioned to understand and respond to specific challenges.

For example, a social worker who is empowered to make decisions about resource allocation can better meet the needs of their clients without waiting for approval from their manager. This improves efficiency and enhances the quality of service provided to the public, instilling confidence in their service delivery.

Improved employee engagement

Engaged government employees are more committed to their work and department goals. Empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, significantly boosting engagement levels.

When engaged, employees are more likely to be proactive, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. This is particularly important in government departments, where the nature of the work can sometimes be challenging and stressful.

Adaptability and innovation

In a fast-moving work environment, empowered government employees are more adaptable and open to innovation. They are more likely to try new ideas and approaches, which can lead to improved citizen services and outcomes.

For instance, many government departments had to adapt quickly to remote work and new service delivery methods during the pandemic. Those who had already fostered a culture of empowerment could navigate these changes and continue serving the public effectively.

Holistic wellbeing

Addressing employees’ holistic needs, including mental wellbeing and work-life balance, can lead to a more motivated and resilient workforce. Empowerment plays a crucial role by giving employees more control over their work hours and the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives.

This is especially important today, where stress and burnout are prevalent. Government departments can create a healthier, more productive work environment by prioritising employee wellbeing.

How people management needs to adapt

With the help of performance management systems, government HR leaders can create a culture of open communication and psychological safety within the workplace. This guides regular real-time conversations between employees and managers, allowing managers to pick up and be close to any potential or existing wellbeing issues.

Something as simple as automating the clock-in and clock-out process and tracking each employee provides a departmental view of critical insights, including overly long hours worked by certain employees, which can lead to wellbeing concerns.

Providing automated rostering of employees can also ensure fairness and equity upfront, evenly distributing hours and available people across the available timeslots and giving managers an organisational view of rostering.

This level of automation can prevent unpaid overtime and time theft, giving managers and HR professionals a view of any potential hazards impacting employee wellbeing that they need to address, such as being rostered on too much, long hours worked and too much overtime.

Conclusion

Empowering employees is not just a nice-to-have but a must-have for government departments aiming to achieve better outcomes. It drives enhanced performance and innovation, improves decision-making processes, increases job satisfaction and retention and fosters adaptability and resilience. In addition, a focus on holistic support ensures that employees are productive, genuinely engaged and committed to their roles.

By embracing a culture of empowerment, government departments can unlock the full potential of their employees, leading to more effective and responsive public service. This in turn translates into better outcomes for the communities they serve, reinforcing the essential role of empowered employees in achieving public sector excellence.

*Damien Durston is ANZ Head of Sales for People Management at OneAdvanced.

Image credit: iStock.com/AzmanL