Boosting Employee Engagement: The San Mateo County Case Study Donna Vaillancourt Director of Human Resources County of San Mateo

Overview of Topics The X Model of Employee Engagement Engagement Drivers Why Engagement Matters SMCO’s Engagement Process What have we learned so far about our employees’ engagement? What are we doing to improve engagement?

THE X MODEL OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Tuesday, April 24, 2018 ORGANIZATION SUCCESS Values, Goals, Strategy MAXIMUM SATISFACTION SUCCESS Values, Goals, Strategy CONTRIBUTION MAXIMUM JOB INDIVIDUAL The Goal…more people spending more time at the APEX = more “Great Days” at work. Town Hall Template

Engagement Drivers

Need to commit to building this environment Whose Job Is It? Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Dimension Accountability Individuals Are ultimately accountable for their own engagement. Only they know what truly motivates them on the job. Managers Are accountable to create an environment where engagement can thrive. They need to be engaged themselves! Executives Need to commit to building this environment (align, build trust, inspire and motivate, break down barriers to high performance). Town Hall Template

Why Engagement Matters Retention of high performers Shared commitment to org. goals Productivity, effectiveness Problem-solving, innovation, adaptability Engagement

Why Engagement Matters

Our Engagement Process Build leadership commitment Communicate progress Develop and launch annual survey Our Engagement Process Support department efforts Analyze, share and explore results Develop countywide resources Create and support committee

Response Rates by AREAS Year Respondents Response Rate 2015 3778* 63% 414 229 721 1469 630 *95% confidence level with a +/-3% margin of error n = number of respondents

IME Favorability Scores (EXTERNAL COMPARISON) -1 pts. +4 pts. -3 pts. -4 pts. Benchmark (BM): n = 76k, count- 51 state or county departments or agencies

Engagement Findings To-Date 79% 78% Recommend the County as a GREAT Place to Work 2015 Responded Good or Very Good for Overall Experience working for County 2015

How Engaged are Most Employees? IPMA-HR/ADP/Governing – 58% engaged Gallup •29% engaged •54% not engaged •18% actively disengaged OPM Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey – 65% engaged UK People Survey – 58% engaged.

Efforts to Improve Engagement Approach: Get more data Form Teams Identify Priorities Develop Strategies Agree on Measures Create Accountability

Efforts to Improve Engagement Priority – Strengthen Supervisory Skills Across the Organization Countywide Programs and Resources Essential Supervisory Skills Program Expansion of new performance management system Supervisor Resource website Menu of engagement strategies for all levels Improve employee on-boarding Improve hiring practices for Supervisors

Efforts to Improve Engagement Department Efforts New recognition programs Improved communication and staff input into decisions Increased access to training Replacement of outdated equipment Expanded use of telework arrangements

How to Improve Engagement Department Heads: Ongoing communication: vision/goals achievements & progress Keep employees up to date Culture of recognition Senior Managers: Support supervisors Invest in training and development Stay interviews

Recent Engagement Process Improvements Survey Results at Unit Level Training for Engagement Champions across the organization Tools/Software and Training for Understanding Results and Developing Action Plans Training for Supervisors on Improving Engagement

Key Take-Away Lessons Engagement is an ongoing process toward culture change, not a short-term initiative It is important to consider how the survey process will address confidentiality concerns and access issues Department accountability is key, but must be paired with understanding and support

Resources Marcus Buckingham – First Break All the Rules Daniel Pink – Drive Teresa Amabile – The Progress Principle HBR.org – Leadership is a Conversation The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us http://youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc SMCO Employee Engagement: https://hr.smcgov.org/employee-engagement Supervisor Support website: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/hr/sos/

How do we leap to more great days at work? Marcus Buckingham – First Break All the Rules Daniel Pink – Drive Teresa Amabile – The Progress Principle HBR.org – Leadership is a Conversation The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us http://youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc SMCO Employee Engagement: https://hr.smcgov.org/employee-engagement Supervisor Support website: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/hr/sos/