HD55 - The Feasibility of Establishing a Commonwealth Employee of the Year Award

  • Published: 1994
  • Author: Department of Personnel and Training
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 596 (Regular Session, 1993)

Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution 596 (1993) directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DPT) to determine the feasibility of establishing a "Commonwealth Employee of the Year" award to recognize annually a state employee who is a role model for fellow employees and who excels in the performance of his or her duties.

The concept of acknowledging and expressing appreciation for outstanding achievements made by a state's employees is well-established. At least 25 states have implemented successful and effective statewide programs to recognize exemplary employees, and although the states vary in their approaches, the intent is always the same -- to improve the efficiency, productivity and morale of the state's workforce. The states report that the positive results generated by these recognition programs (i.e., improved morale, productivity, etc.) have a direct influence on how state government operates, as the quality of state government depends upon the quality of its workforce.

The majority of states with employee recognition programs, such as "employee of the year" or awards for excellence, use a committee to select the award recipients. Such a committee generally makes its decisions based upon nominees' work performance, dedication and commitment, length of state service and efforts resulting in monetary savings to the state. Nominations are received, in a majority of the states, from state agency heads. To ensure that all state employees perceive the award or recognition to be attainable, most states bestow their highest honor upon more than one individual. For example, Maryland annually gives eight "Most Valuable Employee Awards," while North Carolina recognizes approximately six to seven exemplary employees with the "Governor's Award for Excellence."

According to those states which have implemented recognition programs, the award may be either monetary or non-monetary. Fifteen of the 25 states with a recognition program reported giving non-monetary awards such as plaques, certificates of recognition, and jewelry. The remaining ten states provide cash awards to recipients, ranging from $200 to $2,000. Also, 23 of the 25 states hold a special awards ceremony to honor the winners. These ceremonies normally are held at the statehouse with the Governor presenting the awards.

In an effort to assess the need and desire for a statewide recognition program in the Commonwealth, the Department of Personnel and Training surveyed 118 state agencies and entities, requesting input on the necessity and feasibility of implementing such a program in Virginia. Of the 73 respondents, 50, or approximately 68 percent, favored implementation of a statewide award program to recognize exemplary employees. The overwhelming majority of respondents also stressed the need to provide multiple awards, as opposed to a single "employee of the year" award.

Responding state agencies also indicated that a selection committee should choose the winners from nominations submitted by managers, rather than by agency heads or cabinet secretaries. Selection by peers also was suggested by a number of agencies. Criteria for selection, according to the agencies, should be primarily work performance of employees. Other factors to be considered should be dedication, leadership, and productivity or monetary savings to the Commonwealth. Agencies strongly opposed using length of service as a criterion, contending that it was not an accurate indication of performance, productivity, or dedication.

To emphasize the importance and prestige of these awards, the majority of state agencies indicated that a special awards ceremony should be held at the capitol with the Governor in attendance. In addition, it was the consensus that the award winners should receive both a cash award of up to $1,000 and three to five days of paid leave.

Recognizing the importance of acknowledging exemplary employees, a number of state agencies already have implemented employee recognition programs such as "employee of the month or year." For example, the University of Virginia Hospital, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are a few of the agencies which have established such programs.

Based upon the information received from other states and Virginia state agencies, a program to recognize and thank exemplary employees publicly would be beneficial. Accordingly, to realize some of the benefits of these programs, the Commonwealth should consider implementing a program such as the "Commonwealth Employee(s) of the Year" or the "Commonwealth's Award for Excellence."

In conclusion, an annual statewide employee recognition program which acknowledges a number of exemplary employees for their dedication, performance and service to the Commonwealth and its citizenry would be beneficial to the Commonwealth as a means of improving the efficiency, productivity and morale of the workforce.