Measuring workplace psychosocial factors in the federal government

The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard) identifies 13 psychosocial factors affecting psychological health and safety in the workplace that employers should measure and monitor with the goal of addressing areas for improvement. The present study sought to determine the suitability of the Public Service Employee Survey as a tool for the assessment of these psychosocial factors in public service employees. It also aimed to explore-in a preliminary manner-predictors of job satisfaction in these employees.

Data from the 2017 and 2019 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) were analyzed. Specifically, exploratory structural modelling and tests of measurement invariance were used to identify a measurement model reflecting the psychosocial factors outlined in the Standard and to evaluate the equivalence of this model across both PSES administrations.

The analyses uncovered 10 of the 13 psychosocial factors, as well as 2 closely related factors-diversity and inclusion-and supported the full invariance of the resulting measurement model across both PSES administrations. Lastly, preliminary results pointed to recognition and reward (encompassing leader reward behaviours) and involvement and influence (touching on participative decision making, innovation and initiative) as predictors of job satisfaction in both samples of public service employees.

The present study identified the PSES as a tool for the assessment-in public service employees-of the majority of the psychosocial factors outlined in the Standard as well as two additional factors of particular importance to the federal government, diversity and inclusion. Future research to address current limitations is discussed, as are preliminary implications for practice.