Only a quarter of NHS employees feel secure about challenging how things are done at work

1 May 2002 - A mere 24% of NHS employees feel secure about challenging the way things are done within their organisation, according to data from employee research specialist - ORC International's latest benchmarking study.

These findings are drawn from ORC International's benchmarking database Perspectives, which contains results of employee surveys conducted in a range of companies and sectors. The database represents the opinions of over a million UK employees, including nearly 50,000 staff employed by 20 NHS Trusts.

The recent data set shows that employee opinion in the NHS contrasts significantly with the opinions of those working in other commercial sectors.

Further examples of the findings of the study include:

· NHS staff are the least satisfied with their physical working conditions, with only 51% being satisfied - this compares with 71% of retail employees being satisfied and an overall average of 61%.

· When asked about job satisfaction, NHS employees were actually the most likely to say that they enjoyed their work with a figure of 87%, compared with 76% in the financial sector and an average of 62% overall.

· The NHS scores well below average when employees are asked if they think their organisation offers favourable opportunities for career progression, with a figure of 28%. The public sector scored the lowest at 25%, with the retail sector the highest at 41%.

· 41% of NHS employees believe they are treated with fairness and respect by employers. This compares to an overall average of 55%.

ORC International director, Rory MacNeill commented: "The Perspectives database is an exceptional tool, not only because it gives our clients the opportunity to compare their survey results with other organisations, but also because it provides invaluable insight into employee opinion in a variety of sectors."