City of Lawrence

2005 Employee Survey

The City of Lawrence would like to know how you feel about your job. Your cooperation in completing this survey would be greatly appreciated.  To ensure the objectivity of this survey, the identity and responses of every employee will remain strictly confidential. Findings from this survey will not be reported to the City in a way that would reveal the identity of any individual respondent, only you will know how you respond to the questions on this form.

This survey was initiated by the City Commission to determine how City employees feel about their working conditions.  The survey contains many of the same questions that were included on the City’s 2002 Employee Survey.  By answering these questions, you will be providing important information that will help us work together to recognize our successes and make improvements where necessary.

Completed surveys may be returned in the postage-paid envelope provided addressed to:

ETC Institute, 725 W. Frontier Circle, Olathe, KS 66061.  If you have questions or would prefer to complete the survey by phone, please call our toll-free number 1-888-801-5368 and ask for Pat. 

Thank you for your assistance.

Instructions:  The following sections contain statements about the City’s working environment.  Using a scale of 1-5, where 1 means “Strongly Disagree” and 5 means “Strongly Agree,” please indicate your level of agreement with each statement by circling the corresponding number below.  If a statement is not applicable to your situation or you do not know how to rate the item, please circle “9.”

Definitions:  Please use the following definitions as s guide for answering some questions.

· Immediate Supervisor:  The person to whom you directly report

· Department Management:  The department head and other senior supervisors in your Department

· City Management:  Includes the City Manager’s Office, Administrative Services, Information Systems, Finance, and Legal Services

A:  Equipment and Resources		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree	NA/Don't Know
1	I have the equipment I need to do my job well.	1	2	3	4	5	9
2	The equipment I use is well-maintained.	1	2	3	4	5	9
3	Repairs to the equipment I need to do my job are completed in a timely manner.	1	2	3	4	5	9
4	Facilities are well maintained in my work area.	1	2	3	4	5	9
5	Adequate facilities and resources are available to successfully complete my job.	1	2	3	4	5	9
6	Job vacancies are filled in a timely manner.	1	2	3	4	5	9
7	We have enough staff in my Department to do our job.	1	2	3	4	5	9
8	The gloves, clothing, & protective items I need to do my job safely are readily available.	1	2	3	4	5	9
9	Overall, I am satisfied with the quality and availability of equipment and resources in my Department.	1	2	3	4	5	9

B:  Safety		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree	NA/Don't Know
10	I receive enough training to help me do my job safely.	1	2	3	4	5	9
11	Workers in my department are adequately informed about safety policies and procedures.	1	2	3	4	5	9
12	When there is an accident, there is a complete investigation.	1	2	3	4	5	9
13	Safety is continually emphasized by Department management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
14	My immediate supervisor does everything reasonably possible to prevent on-the-job accidents.	1	2	3	4	5	9
15	Department Management does everything reasonably possible to prevent on-the-job accidents.	1	2	3	4	5	9
16	City Management does everything reasonably possible to prevent on-the-job accidents.	1	2	3	4	5	9
17	Overall, I feel safe when doing my job.	1	2	3	4	5	9

C:  Working Environment		SD	D	N	A	SA	DK
18	My co-workers accept fellow employees who are different from themselves.	1	2	3	4	5	9
19	I believe that co-workers who treat others unfairly are disciplined as they should be disciplined.	1	2	3	4	5	9
20	My co-workers treat me with respect.	1	2	3	4	5	9
21	My immediate supervisor treats me with respect.	1	2	3	4	5	9
22	I am able to take the time to do my job right.	1	2	3	4	5	9
23	The work I am asked to do during a shift is the right amount.	1	2	3	4	5	9
24	I am able to work a shift that meets my needs.	1	2	3	4	5	9
25	Assignments to shifts are fair.	1	2	3	4	5	9
26	Overall, I am satisfied with the working environment in my Department.	1	2	3	4	5	9

D:  Compensation and Benefits		SD	D	N	A	SA	DK
27	The family contribution to my health care premium is reasonable.	1	2	3	4	5	9
28	The City’s contribution to the health care premium is reasonable.	1	2	3	4	5	9
29	The wellness program provides me with the information I want.	1	2	3	4	5	9
30	The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is adequate to meet my needs.	1	2	3	4	5	9
31	The City Management does a good job of informing me about benefit options.	1	2	3	4	5	9
32	I am satisfied with the customer service from the City's health plan providers.	1	2	3	4	5	9
33	I understand the KPERS/KP&F (retirement) program.	1	2	3	4	5	9
34	The City’s contribution to the retirement health care premium is reasonable.
35	The benefits I receive make me want to stay at my job.	1	2	3	4	5	9
36	Department management does a good job informing me of what to do if I am Injured on the job.	1	2	3	4	5	9
37	City management does a good job of providing medical care to injured workers.	1	2	3	4	5	9
38	The City's health care plan meets my needs.	1	2	3	4	5	9
39	I am paid fairly for the work I perform.	1	2	3	4	5	9
40	Overall, I am satisfied with compensation and benefits I receive.	1	2	3	4	5	9

E:  Customer Service and Community Relations		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree	NA/Don't Know
Personal Attitudes about Customer Service
41	Contact with Lawrence Citizens, as part of my job, is a pleasant experience.	1	2	3	4	5	9
42	Good citizen/customer service is continually emphasized by my Department management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
43	I like working with the public.	1	2	3	4	5	9
44	Through my job at the City of Lawrence, I have grown in my ability to work with the public.	1	2	3	4	5	9
Training
45	I believe that I need more training in customer service.	1	2	3	4	5	9
46	My training at the City of Lawrence has helped me interact with citizens better.	1	2	3	4	5	9
Reputation of my department
47	My Department has a good reputation with Lawrence citizens.	1	2	3	4	5	9
48	My Department has a good reputation with the Lawrence business community.	1	2	3	4	5	9
49	My Department has a good reputation with other cities and agencies.	1	2	3	4	5	9
50	Overall, I am satisfied with quality of service provided by my department.	1	2	3	4	5	9

F:  Leadership and Managerial Effectiveness		SD	D	N	A	SA	DK
Immediate Supervisor
51	I feel comfortable asking about a decision my immediate supervisor has made.	1	2	3	4	5	9
52	My immediate supervisor evaluates employees using the same standards for everyone.	1	2	3	4	5	9
53	I would feel comfortable talking to my immediate supervisor about something that is bothering me at work.	1	2	3	4	5	9
54	My immediate supervisor listens and is interested when I have an idea about how things should be done.	1	2	3	4	5	9
55	My immediate supervisor encourages employees to work together as a team.	1	2	3	4	5	9
56	My immediate supervisor gives me helpful feedback about my performance.	1	2	3	4	5	9
57	Overall, I am satisfied with the leadership of my immediate supervisor.	1	2	3	4	5	9
Department Managers
58	I feel comfortable asking about a decision my Department Management has made.	1	2	3	4	5	9
59	I know what my Department Management expects of me.	1	2	3	4	5	9
60	In my department, performance evaluations are fair.	1	2	3	4	5	9
61	In my department, discipline is fair.	1	2	3	4	5	9
62	Department Management values me and my work.	1	2	3	4	5	9
63	Department Management respects me and my work.	1	2	3	4	5	9
64	My Department operates efficiently and smoothly.	1	2	3	4	5	9
65	Morale is good in my department.	1	2	3	4	5	9
66	Overall, I am satisfied with the leadership of my Department management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
City Management
67	I know what City Management expects of me.	1	2	3	4	5	9
68	I feel comfortable asking about a decision City Management has made.	1	2	3	4	5	9
69	Overall, I am satisfied with the leadership provided by City Management.	1	2	3	4	5	9

G:  Employee Recognition		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree	NA/Don't Know
70	Department Management tells me when I do a good job.	1	2	3	4	5	9
71	Employees are appropriately recognized for a job well done.	1	2	3	4	5	9
72	My work is appreciated by my immediate supervisor.	1	2	3	4	5	9
73	My work is appreciated by my Department management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
74	My work is appreciated by City Management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
75	The LEAP Award program does a good job at recognizing an employee’s outstanding work performance.	1	2	3	4	5	9
76	The employee newsletter recognizes workers when they do a good job.	1	2	3	4	5	9
77	Employees who perform well receive adequate recognition.	1	2	3	4	5	9
78	Rewards and recognition are distributed fairly in my department.	1	2	3	4	5	9
79	Overall, I am satisfied with the level of employee recognition in my department.	1	2	3	4	5	9
80	Employees are appropriately recognized for working safely.	1	2	3	4	5	9

H:  Communication		SD	D	N	A	SA	DK
Within My Department
81	My immediate supervisor informs me about changes that take place.	1	2	3	4	5	9
82	I receive information that affects my work from my Department in a timely manner.	1	2	3	4	5	9
83	Department Management communicates well with employees on citywide issues, plans, and developments.	1	2	3	4	5	9
84	Communication from Department Management helps me understand the big picture.	1	2	3	4	5	9
85	It is easy to contact Department Management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
86	Department Management listens to my suggestions.	1	2	3	4	5	9
87	Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of communication within my department.	1	2	3	4	5	9
With other work units and City Management
88	I receive the information that affects my work from City Management in a timely manner.	1	2	3	4	5	9
89	Communication from City Management helps me understand the big picture.	1	2	3	4	5	9
90	It is easy to contact City Management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
91	What I have to say is important to City Management.	1	2	3	4	5	9
92	I know what is going on in other departments.	1	2	3	4	5	9
93	The information I receive from City Management is easy to understand.	1	2	3	4	5	9
94	The information I receive from City Management is relevant to my department.	1	2	3	4	5	9
95	The information I receive from City Management helps me develop skills in my field.	1	2	3	4	5	9
96	The information I receive from City Management helps me do my job better.	1	2	3	4	5	9
97	If I am not included in a meeting, I get a good report about what was discussed.	1	2	3	4	5	9
98	When an informational meeting is held, I am included.	1	2	3	4	5	9
99	Overall, I am satisfied with the quality communication between departments.	1	2	3	4	5	9

I.  Professional Development Opportunities		SD	D	N	A	SA	DK
100	My immediate supervisor understands my career/job goals.	1	2	3	4	5	9
101	Department management provides me opportunities to move toward my career/job goals.	1	2	3	4	5	9
102	My immediate supervisor provides me opportunities to move toward my career/job goals.	1	2	3	4	5	9
103	City Management provides me opportunities to move toward my career/job goals.	1	2	3	4	5	9
104	There are adequate opportunities for professional development in my Department.	1	2	3	4	5	9
105	All qualified individuals are considered for promotions.	1	2	3	4	5	9
106	Internal promotions are handled fairly.	1	2	3	4	5	9
107	Overall, I am satisfied with the professional development opportunities that are available to me at the City.	1	2	3	4	5	9
J:  Policies and Procedures		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree	NA/Don't Know
108	I understand the rules and regulations related to my job.	1	2	3	4	5	9
109	I understand the City's performance standards for employees.	1	2	3	4	5	9
110	I understand the City's procedures for disciplinary matters.	1	2	3	4	5	9
111	I understand the City's grievance procedures.	1	2	3	4	5	9
112	I receive adequate training on policies and procedures.	1	2	3	4	5	9
113	Overall, the City’s policies and procedures serve the needs of my Department.	1	2	3	4	5	9

K:  City Commission		SD	D	N	A	SA	DK
I believe the City Commission…
114	…is concerned about city workers.	1	2	3	4	5	9
115	…makes decisions based on what is best for the entire community.	1	2	3	4	5	9
116	…listens to what city workers have to say.	1	2	3	4	5	9
117	…values the work I do for the community.	1	2	3	4	5	9
118	…understands the working conditions in my department.	1	2	3	4	5	9
119	…considers the best interest of city workers when making decisions.	1	2	3	4	5	9
120	…supports my department's goals.	1	2	3	4	5	9

121.Of the eleven major areas that have been assessed on this survey, which THREE do you think  should be the top priority for improvement in your Department over the next two years.  Write the letters for your top three choices in the space provided to the right.

A. Equipment and Resources

B. Safety

C. Working Environment

D. Compensation and Benefits                                                   1^st Choice: _________

E. Customer Service and Community Relations

F. Leadership and Managerial Effectiveness                              2^nd Choice: _________

G. Employee Recognition

H. Communication                                                                      3^rd Choice: _________

I. Professional Development Opportunities

J. Policies and Procedures

K. City Commission

122.Overall, how satisfied are you with your employment at the City of Lawrence?

___(5) Very satisfied

___(4) Satisfied

___(3) Neutral

___(2) Dissatisfied

___(1) Very dissatisfied

___(9) Don’t know

123.Compared to three years ago, how do you think the overall quality of the work environment in

your Department has changed?

___(5) Much better

___(4) Somewhat better

___(3) Stayed the same

___(2) Somewhat worse

___(1) Much worse

___(9) Don’t know

124.    How strongly do you agree with the following statement: “I believe City leadership will take action to improve the work environment based on the results of this survey.”

___(5) Strongly agree

            ___(4) Agree

            ___(3) Neutral

___(2) Disagree

___(1) Strongly disagree

___(9) Don’t know

125. Optional:  Is there any information that is not currently provided to you that you would like to

receive?

_______________________________________________________________________________

126. Optional:  Are you missing any tools, equipment, staff, or other resources that are needed for you to perform your job properly?

_______________________________________________________________________________

DEMOGRAPHICS:  The questions listed below will only be used to better understand the needs of specific groups of employees.  If you do not feel comfortable providing certain types of information, please leave those questions blank.

127.When do you typically work? (Check one)

___(1) M-F Daytime              ___(2) Evenings           ___(3) Nights                ___(4) Rotating

128.What is your typical shift length? (Check one)

___(1) 24 hour shift               ___(2) 12 hour shift      ___(3) 8 hour shift         ___(4) less than 8 hours

129.     How many years have you been employed by the City of Lawrence?

___(1) under 1 year               ___(2) 1-5 years                                   ___(3) 6-10 years

___(4) 11-15 years                ___(5) 16-20 years                               ___(6) more than 20 years

130.     What is your educational level? (Check the highest level of education received)

___(1) Some high school      ___(2) High school diploma/GED         ___(3) Some college

___(4) Associate's degree    ___(3) Bachelor's Degree                     ___(6) Master's/Doctorate

131.     What is your supervisory status? (Check one)

___(1) Non-supervisor          ___(2) First-line supervisor                    ___(3) Manager

132.     In which department do you currently work?

___(01) Administrative Services                                

___(02) City Manager’s Office                                                                                   

___(03) Finance

___(04) Fire and Medical

___(05) Neighborhood Resources

___(06) Human Relations

___(07) Information Systems

___(08) Legal Services

___(09) Parks and Recreation

___(10) Planning

___(11) Police Department: Which area?   ___(A) Patrol         ___(B) Other

___(12) Public Works: Which area? ___(A) Streets       ___(B) Solid Waste       ___(C) Other

___(13) Utilities: Which area?                      ___(A) Water        ___(B) Waste Water     ___(C) Other

133.     What is your gender? (Check one)            ___(1) male          ___(2) female

134.     What is your age? (Check one)

___(1) Under 21          ___(2) 21–29               ___(3) 30–39              

___(4) 40–49               ___(5) 50–59               ___(6) 60+

135.     What is your ethnicity/national origin? (Check all that apply)

___(1) Asian American                                   ___(2) Black/African American

___(3) Hispanic American                              ___(4) Native American

___(5) White/European American                  ___(6) Other

136.Where do you live? (Check one):      ___(1) Lawrence          ___(2) Outside Lawrence City Limits