Public servants have unleashed on the poor communication skills of their senior managers.

A recent survey conducted by the Australian Public Service Commission found the majority of government staff did not feel their contributions were valued, and that many fall below international standards for job satisfaction.

Just 41 per cent of rank-and-file public servants reported that their communication with senior ranks was effective, however 81 per cent did say they were satisfied with their specific supervisor.

“Employees' perceptions of immediate supervisors have a significant impact on employee engagement,” the commission said.

A mere 68 per cent of APS staff reported having a sense of personal accomplishment from their jobs.

The figure is below the 76 per cent UK public servants that report personal satisfaction from works, and the global benchmark of 75 per cent.

But the situation flips on the senior level, with 80 per cent of SES officers feeling their contributions were valued.

A full 90 per cent of SES officers said they used their professional skillsets in their jobs, compared to 74 per cent across the entire workforce.

The survey found staff engagement had increased incrementally since 2012, with those working in specialist, policy and regulatory agencies more likely to be more engaged with their work, colleagues and supervisors.

Additionally, the analysis shows the most common length of employment five to 10 years followed by 10 to 15 years, while 20 per cent of respondents had worked in the APS for longer than 20 years.

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