FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Information item.
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BACKGROUND
The General Manager’s Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 includes a goal to conduct an employee engagement survey to gather feedback from staff on a variety of topics.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Cultivate a highly qualified, well-trained, and diverse workforce
• Promote employee job satisfaction
• Provide a safe and collegial workplace
• Provide professional growth and development
PROBLEM
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) staff has experienced a lot of change over the past couple of years. It is imperative to stay connected to the workforce to better provide the information, training, development, and communication that is needed to improve performance and engage employees. OC San has always been a sought-after employer and to maintain that status, it is imperative to understand the areas that concern employees as well as the areas that are exceeding their expectations.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Conduct an employee engagement survey to gather thoughts and feedback from staff on topics such as job satisfaction, communication methods and content, employee recognition, etc.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Failing to conduct an employee engagement survey may result in several negative ramifications. Without this critical feedback mechanism, OC San risks losing valuable insights into employee morale, satisfaction, and potential areas of improvement. This could lead to decreased employee engagement, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. Additionally, the lack of data may hinder OC San’s ability to address concerns proactively, negatively impacting overall organizational performance, retention, and employee well-being. Moreover, it could also result in missed opportunities for fostering a positive workplace culture and aligning staff with strategic goals.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
June 2024 - Received and Filed the General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Work Plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Previous employee engagement surveys have been conducted. The most recent were conducted in 2017 and 2022, with response rates of 23 percent and 32 percent, respectively. This year, we saw a substantial improvement, achieving a 55 percent response rate, which has provided a broader and more representative view of employee sentiment. This increase in participation reflects greater engagement and strengthens our ability to make data-driven improvements aligned with staff feedback.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2024-26 Budget.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Presentation