The equalities watchdog was moved to defend itself after a damning survey revealed just 8% of workers would recommend it as a good place to work.
A union survey of half the workforce at the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), seen by Personnel Today, revealed that the same number again felt it was an organisation that cares about its staff. Less than one in six of the 192 respondents felt that managers acted quickly when staff raised issues.
An EHRC spokeswoman said the survey results were taken just five months after the new organisation was launched and during a period of intense change.
The EHRC was launched in October 2007, replacing three former equalities bodies including the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality.
The spokeswoman said: “Any new organisation going through a period of intense and challenging change will have to work very hard at maintaining staff morale. That has certainly been this commission’s experience.”
She insisted the commission was taking the issues raised in the survey seriously, and was confident progress had already been made in addressing staff concerns. For example, it had introduced a series of regular meetings for staff, and forums with chief executive Nicola Brewer. “It is crucial we continue to find ways to motivate and value our own staff,” she added.
