El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Authorize Investigation of Non-EEO Policy Violations
Pamela Knorr
(530) 621-5572
2014-05-02
CAO
Action follows employee survey results showing opportunities for improving workplace culture
Placerville, CA — At the April 28, 2014 special meeting of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously authorized an investigation of non-Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy violations in light of the County’s recently updated Respectful Workplace Policy and findings from the Cultural Assessment Survey conducted by Van Dermyden Maddux Law firm.
The survey showed sixty percent (60%) of employees are generally satisfied with their County employment (click for survey results). Most of the employees responded via an anonymous questionnaire although 45 employees requested interviews. Out of the 1,228 employees who participated, 474 provided additional details beyond the questionnaire provided. Many of these comments identified overall systemic issues in the County and a “substantial number” of comments raised concerns of “bullying, harassment, and retaliation.” According to the results, many employees raised concerns of nepotism, referring to the “good ol’ boy network.”
The Climate Assessment Survey was conducted by independent counsel brought in to evaluate concerns. The preliminary survey results will be followed by a workplace culture improvement plan. An outside Cultural Assessment Team made up of the Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation and Municipal Resource Group and County Human Resources was directed at this week’s board meeting to provide the action plan based upon the survey results.
“Positive results show 91 percent of employees surveyed think their work for El Dorado County ‘makes a difference’ and that says a lot about our hard-working employees,” said Human Resources Director Pam Knorr. “While a comprehensive plan is developed to take the workplace culture from ‘good to great’, we feel some of the results the consultants labeled ‘frequent comments’ merited immediate steps including remediation efforts for specific departments.”
Enhancing communication, especially with regard to County policies and procedures, is an improvement area identified in the survey as well as enhancing computer software and technical training specific to particular jobs. The Board presentation can be viewed here.
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