In early May we invited all local government professionals across the sector to complete a survey - the CULTYR Employee Resilience Scorecard, to see how the sector was responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scorecard results were received and processed by CATALYSE Pty Ltd an independent consultancy. CATALYSE gave back to the local government sector and supported LG Professionals WA with the study on a pro bono basis. The survey sought to understand how local government employees were coping and what lessons could be shared to help support one another during the pandemic.
We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated we had 2236 responses! Overwhelmed is an understatement, we even had people asking to complete the survey after it had closed!
Results indicate that the local government workforce in Western Australia has shown strength and resilience in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Leaders are helping workers to feel hopeful for their future
- Leaders have demonstrated clear thinking and decision making
- Workers have confidence and trust in their local leadership group
- Managers have shown compassion and empathy
- The local government workforce is open to new ideas and
It is clear that local government professionals successfully mobilised and innovated in response to COVID-19. Through the eyes of LG employees, the 5 most successful innovations were:
- Using technology such as Zoom and Teams for meetings, presentations, training and webinars
- Supporting flexible work from home arrangements
- Moving services online
- Introducing new services in the library, such as Rhyme Time, Click and Collect and home delivery
- Creating a paperless office (i.e more online fillable forms)
Level of concern with COVID-19
The survey results show that
34% of local government employees expressed a high or very high level of concern with the COVID-19 outbreak. The greatest level of concern was amongst employees in the Peel region and the lowest level was amongst employees in the South West region.
The survey also shows that the level of concern amongst local government employees increases with age.
Future of Local Government
35% of respondents would prefer to embrace new ways of working and
16% would prefer to go back to business as usual.
There are great signs for the future of local government. Local government professionals are eager, open-minded to embrace technology, innovation and new practices to improve customer service and internal efficiencies.