NHS staff have reported improvements in managerial support and high levels of job satisfaction and training opportunities.
The Healthcare Commission’s annual survey received responses from 156,000 NHS workers.
The survey showed levels of staff training remained high, with 94% reporting access to employer-supported training and development opportunities in the last 12 months.
More staff are receiving appraisals (61%, up from 58% in 2006) – proven to impact positively on patient experience – and more staff have a personal development plan (52%, up from 48% in 2006).
According to the survey, job satisfaction remains high, and staff feel better supported by their managers and their organisation in achieving a good work-life balance. The majority of staff are taking advantage of flexible working (73%, up from 71% in 2006).
Health minister Ann Keen said: “I know from past experience as a nurse that working in the NHS is demanding but immensely rewarding, and it is encouraging that in its 60th year, most staff continue to report high job satisfaction.”
Alastair Henderson, acting director of NHS Employers, which represents trusts on workforce issues, said the results showed that the NHS remained a good place to work.
“It is encouraging that key measures of being a good employer, such as job satisfaction, training and development, work-life balance and health at work, have improved again this year,” he added.
