Workplace culture report recommends changes to address workplace culture issues
A review on the workplace culture of New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) described it as "not positive" due to the absence of some key HR policies, among other reasons.
The review, released on Friday, held back from calling the ACC's culture toxic, but noted a number of reasons why it is not considered positive.
"There are good people working throughout ACC, but pockets of inconsistent behaviour by leaders and some leadership gaps," the review read.
It also noted that there is a lack of accountability at ACC, and described it as a "gossipy" organisation with low trust in internal complaints processes.
It also has inconsistent performance management or career progression systems, and there is a need to build a higher-performing culture, according to the review.
The review was commissioned by the ACC earlier this year following allegations concerning the conduct and behaviour of two senior executives.
But the report's findings revealed that a number of staff said they had not observed or heard about the type of behaviour that had been reported in the media.
"They emphasised how much they value working at ACC, where they feel they can make a contribution to supporting the purpose of the Scheme," the report read.
Lack of key HR policies
Meanwhile, the report also highlighted that certain aspects of the ACC's current culture stem from its misalignment with established public service best practices.
"ACC does not have a standalone bullying and harassment policy; nor procedures or training around raising concerns about inappropriate behaviour," the report read.
The organisation has a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Policy, as well as a Speak Up Policy that facilitates disclosure and investigation of potential wrongdoing.
"However, what this Policy lacks is clear guidance regarding how staff can raise any concerns in the event they experience or witness inappropriate behaviour, and the available options for resolution of any such issues," the report pointed out.
It also noted a lack of training on dealing with complaints of potential wrongdoing, which was initially set out in the policy.
"Despite the existence of the Speak Up Policy and Guidelines, which promise that complaints will be taken seriously and investigated, many staff spoke of past complaints being inadequately investigated or resolved, if at all," the report added.
Recommendations accepted
The report outlined 10 recommendations to address the culture issues within the ACC, including the development of a standalone Inappropriate Behaviour policy that incorporates Bullying and Harassment.
It also called for a review of the current Whistleblower line, as well as the establishment of a safer speak-up culture in the organisation.
ACC Acting Board Chair, Jan Dawson, said the board will work with the chief executive and the ACC's Executive team to deliver a timely response to the findings.
"The Board accepts the findings and acknowledges where we have fallen short," Dawson said in a statement.
"We will adopt all the recommendations from this review, but we need to work through some of them in more detail and prioritise their implementation."
ACC Chief Executive Megan Main also assured that work is already underway to address some of the report's recommendations.
They will also develop an action plan to deliver a consistent and positive culture at ACC.
"As an Executive, we're focused on building a high-performing organisation, where our people feel safe, respected and empowered," Main said.
