Employees speak out

The DSHS employee survey was completed by 7,391 employees throughout the agency in a 22-month period ending in July 2004. Compared to the DSHS-wide survey conducted in 2000, DSHS has made progress in: providing feedback on work performance (up 4%); sharing information, even when news is bad (up 3%); and coaching our employees so customer service improves (up 3%). Consistent with earlier surveys, DSHS also achieved high scores for: employee competence; a positive work environment; and satisfaction with job characteristics. Areas needing further work include: communication, especially management communicating to staff and listening to staff concerns; advancement, hiring and recognition; perception of senior management; policies, procedures and resources; and defined goals.