CCP 09-15-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memorandum - Employee Service Recognition Program I Page Two September 12, 1997 .. In other words, what role does Arden Hills employment take in an employee's growth and career advancement objectives? This would include comparing the Arden Hills pay scale to other I cities, and re-evaluating how this pay scale affects both the quality of and duration of employment by current/future employees. Regardless of the type of approach considered, the City Council may wish to consider a goal of I this conversation to be the investigating of methods of increasing employee morale. This statement is not intended to mean that the morale of the employees is bad, but recent workloads I have at times strained morale. The strength of your current staff is their willingness to pitch in and help whenever necessary, regardless of ' job description" responsibilities. However, 'during periods of high stress, this willingness to pitch in and the response by the City Council/citizens I does affect morale. Whether it's an employee recognition program or something different, the City Council sets the I tone for staff's morale. The careful consideration of the programs listed below, and broader employment questions, is integral to creating a solid employee service recognition program. I In general, my experience with other cities has shown that no matter how good the program is, or its intentions, without commitment and follow through by management, a program is destined tJ for failure. If management supports the program, encourages its use, and follows up on its areas of responsibility, staff will typically be more receptive to participating. Some program ideas include: I 1. Suggestion Programs I The program I am most familiar with is the suggestion box. I've never seen anything substantial develop from this approach. Arden Hills has one located in the lobby area, and I've not seen one suggestion provided. Many employers have I incorporated incentive programs for the implementation of suggestions. 2. Safety Awards I Many communities have safety awards. However, I prefer safety awards for an entire department rather than individual awards. Arden Hills doesn't have enough I departments to create a competitive type of award. Arden Hills could consider an award at the year end for no accidents or work-related injuries by the Public Works and/or Parks and Recreation Departments. From a staff perspective, the I question that needs to be resolved to make this a worthwhile program would be, "What's the award?" Is it recognition or cash? 3. Wellness Programs I I've had very good experience with the wellness program. I was part of a .. committee that created the program in Hopkins. The program ranged from I ~.