ACTU to present workers’ voices at productivity summit

ACTU secretary Sally McManus says the discussion about productivity has for too long been dominated by economic models.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus says too many employers equate productivity with cost-cutting. Picture: Monique Harmer / NewsWire

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Unions will present the “real world experiences” of workers at next month’s productivity roundtable, after surveying employees about workplace issues including workloads, burnout and whether their bosses invest adequately in training and equipment.

The Workplace Truths survey, pitched to employees as a chance to tell the government and the “bosses of Australia” what they think, also seeks their views on technological changes and AI, ­collaboration and conflict at work, and whether managers have the skills and ability to get the best out of their teams.

ACTU secretary Sally Mc­Manus said the discussion about productivity had for too long been dominated by economic models and concepts that are often out of step with real life and what actually happens in workplaces.

“Too many employers have equated productivity with cost-cutting, which has negatively ­affected the debate around productivity,” she said.

“For too long, the perspective of workers has been missing. This is why we are opening this survey up to all workers to have their say, knowing their perspective will be represented at the roundtable and in the national discussion.”

In the survey introduction, the ACTU says the roundtable is an opportunity for the views and experiences of workers to be heard “loud and clear”.

“Unions will be represented at an important discussion with the federal government and employers, which could have a big impact on our working lives and future living standards,” it states. “Nobody knows jobs and workplaces better than workers. This is a chance to share real stories from the real people who live and breathe working life in Australia.”

Workers are asked if they plan to leave their job in the next 12 months, regularly work extra hours/do overtime, feel burnt out at work, have the opportunity to do their best work every day, believe their workload is fair and reasonable, feel safe at work, have a good work-life balance, and ­believe their job is secure

They are asked how often over the past 12 months have they been exposed to violence at work, including threats of violence, high workloads, bullying or harassment at work, insufficient breaks or skipping breaks, boring work including “highly repetitive tasks”, loneliness/isolation, unreasonably long working hours, and conflict either with co-workers or management.

They are asked about their boss, including if they agree or disagree their employer has invested in the tools, equipment or systems needed to work efficiently, consulted workers about issues that may affect health and safety, and “puts as much importance on mental health hazards as they do on physical health hazards”.

Workers are also questioned about whether their boss has provided the training needed to do their job well; has clear health and safety policies and procedures, and involves workers in decision-making about their work.

The performance of immediate supervisors or managers is also scrutinised, with workers asked if they create an environment in which workers feel motivated, give constructive feedback, have the skills to get the most out of a team, encourage professional development and growth and seek employee views about “how we can improve the way we work’’.

Workers are asked if their boss has in the past year provided training, upgraded computers and software, paid for employee training and study, and invested in new equipment or tools

In a discussion on the impact of changes in technology – such as automation, robotics and artificial intelligence – the survey also asks workers about their current understanding of AI.