Employees also describe workplace as 'toxic and sad': reports
A review of the workplace culture at Christchurch's court security team described it as "fractured," with leadership shortfalls present, according to reports.
The New Zealand Herald reported on Wednesday an internal report it obtained titled Health, Safety and Security Scan for the National Security Operations (NSO) Team in Christchurch.
It reviewed the culture of Christchurch NSO, which consists of two Court Security Managers, two Senior Court Security Officers (CSO), and 25 CSOs.
The NSO team was found to be "committed to the safety and security of all court participants."
"However, it is evident that the Christchurch NSO team culture is fractured," the report read as quoted by The New Zealand Herald.
Consensus on the NSO's workplace was "toxic and sad," with employees admitting to "pulling sickies" and looking for new jobs because of the workplace culture.
There is also alleged cases of nicknaming, gossiping, general disrespectful behaviour, and favouritism among NSO employees at the precinct, according to the report.
The report was launched after NSO staff members at the Christchurch Justice Precinct raised concerns to the Public Services Association.
It was carried out in August and September, with interviews held with 23 NSO staff from CSOs to regional security manager. Court registry officers and other staff were also interviewed, according to the Herald report.
Leadership shortfalls in workplace culture
It pointed out that there were "leadership shortfalls" within the organisation, with management being the "core influence" of the workplace culture there.
"There is a strong presence of authoritarian, militant management amongst management at the precinct," the report read as quoted by the Herald.
"It is important to note that there are many other factors that are contributing towards the issues for the workplace, but throughout this scan, it was made evident that this leadership/management style does not align with many staff at the precinct and is therefore driving the dysfunction."
It also attributed the divisions within the organisation to its "diverse demographic makeup" that neglected mutual respect.
"This lack of mutual respect appears to have historic origins in the Christchurch precinct, and continues to be fuelled by cliques, lack of effective leadership, lack of open and honest communications, and a failure to recognise differences such as age, gender, race, sexual orientation, work background, CSO tenure and life and professional experiences," the report read.
Recommendations to improve culture
According to the report, key areas to pay attention to include leadership, mutual respect, and tactical response.
It recommended regular one-on-one monitoring and coaching for NSO management personnel, as well as specialised workshops on de-escalating tactics for all staff.
A two-day mediation will also be necessary, with an external party to facilitate it.
"Encouraging the participation of all NSO staff from the precinct is seen as advantageous, allowing everyone to express their views and ensuring an efficient and productive path forward," the report read.
The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged the report's content and committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace, according to deputy secretary of corporate and digital services Kelvin Watson.
"The scan indicated that there were aspects of the way in which the team operates that can be improved and made recommendations for how the team dynamics could be improved," Watson said as quoted by the NZ Herald.
