How healthy are our emergency departments?

To demonstrate a comprehensive workplace health survey is able to identify indicators that contribute to staff workplace welfare.

Analysis of a VicHealth workplace health survey distributed to seven suburban emergency departments. Respondents rated multiple workplace health indicators in terms of perceived importance and perceived performance. A satisfaction rating and performance gap for each indicator was calculated.

There was a 64% response rate to 500 surveys. Staff rated a safe environment, professional standards, and staff morale the most important factors for workplace health. They were most satisfied with the flexibility of work arrangements (85.6%) and leadership (79.9%), and were least satisfied with the performance management of staff (68.5%) and job satisfaction and morale (67.2%). The largest gaps between perceived importance and performance were in the provision of safe well-lit parking, staff morale, and the use of reward and recognition systems.

The VicHealth survey was an effective tool in identifying indicators that contribute to staff workplace health. Quantifiable findings allowed interdepartmental comparison and may be useful in focusing on improvements in organizational structure.