US civil servants honoured for a week

A man crosses South Broad Street in view of City Hall during a winter storm in Philadelphia, Tuesday, March 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

A man crosses South Broad Street in view of City Hall during a winter storm in Philadelphia, Tuesday, March 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Published May 7, 2017

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Washington - Every year since 1985, seven days in May have been

designated as Public Service Recognition Week, a time to honour federal, state

and local government employees and acknowledge the many benefits they provide

to the American public.

While leaders in the private sector are lauded as running

"best places to work" for their efforts to recruit, develop and

recognize employees, public servants are often seldom given the recognition

they deserve for their efforts.

Consider this data point to appreciate the difference: Only

about 46 percent of federal employees believe they are recognized appropriately

for a job well done. That's about 22 points lower than what is found in the

private sector.

That difference is a shame considering that federal

employees are working every day to address the country's most pressing needs:

keeping our country safe, maintaining economic stability, ensuring basic civil

rights, providing educational opportunity, caring for veterans and protecting

public health and the environment.

While praise from the public would be welcome, it is

critically important that political and career federal leaders take the time

during the week of May 7 to let their employees know they are valued and that

the work they do is important.

Over the years, my organization, the Partnership for Public

Service, has collected ideas about efforts federal leaders can take and

organized them into a Public Service Recognition Week Toolkit that includes a

guide for federal agencies.

Regardless of your leadership role, take time during this

week to recognize the good work of your team, and begin to build a culture of

recognition that continues throughout the year.

There are numerous ways to highlight the work of your staff.

At a minimum, federal agency leaders should send an email to their employees

expressing gratitude for their hard work and results. Don't worry. If you are

not sure exactly what to say, the toolkit has some sample messages to get you

started.

Leaders with social media savvy can supplement the emails by

blogging or tweeting #PSRW to reinforce the importance of public service to the

American public.

Some leaders might want to take a step further by ensuring

that their employee newsletters publicize activities and events taking place

during the week, including the Public Service Charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit

the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund.

Committed agencies have been intentional about coordinating

employee awards programs to occur during the week. It's a great time to

highlight the career achievements of long-time public employees as well as the

work of other individuals and teams making significant contributions.

Read also:  Public servants shocked at pay hike

You also can set aside time for personal thank you messages

to high-performing employees - handwritten notes, emails, phone calls or a

personal pat on the back will do the job. You also might consider organizing an

employee appreciation rally.

In past years, some federal leaders have greeted their

employees as they have entered the headquarters, while others have organized

informal social events.

These gestures, big and small, will matter. Acknowledging

and rewarding excellent work and providing praise can go a long way to boosting

morale and improving organizational performance.

 WASHINGTON POST

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