2017 DGSOrganizational Health Survey
Frequently Asked Questions
As an employee of DGS, you’re invited to offer your opinions about our workplace by taking the DGSOrganizational Health Survey beginning April 11. To learn more about the 2017 survey, read through these frequently asked questions and answers.
Survey Overview
What is the DGSOrganizational Health Survey?
It is a brief, survey that provides an opportunity for employees to identify DGS’ strengths and weaknesses as a workplace. It is one of the most important ways individual employees have to improve our own work lives and DGSoverall. Please set aside about 10 minutes to share your opinion about 35 questions.
What does the term “organizational health” mean? Why does it matter?
Organizational Health refers to our ability as a department to function effectively, to perform at a high level, to change appropriately, and to grow from within. It goes beyond job satisfaction and how happy employees are. It reflects how invested and connected employees feel in the success of their teams and the organization. More than anything, it conveys how well we can deliver services to our customers, and by extension, all Californians.
Why is the DGSOrganizational Health Survey being conducted?
Going forward, DGS leadership is committed to conducting Organizational Health Survey as an annual opportunity for employees to identify issues and to help make positive changes at their workplace. Director Kim, Chief Deputy Director McGuire and the rest of the departments’ executive leaders believe in the value of the survey and take the results very seriously.
Who should participate?
All DGS employees. Without full participation, we won’t know the true health of our organization.
Why should I participate?
Everyone’s input is important. Sharing your thoughts about what to improve in our organization will help drive real change. It is one of the best ways we asindividual employees have to voice our opinions with the goal of improving our own work lives and DGSoverall. The survey is also an investment in us as employees to ensure that we have what we need to be successful.
But really, what’s in it for me?
Most importantly, an improved workplace.In addition, in appreciation of your time, DGS staff who complete the survey will be randomly chosen to receive prizes such as the use of Director Kim’s prime parking spot for a week, donuts delivered to their unit by Chief Deputy Director McGuire and gift cards for Starbucks, Target or Amazon.
Is the survey voluntary?
Yes. Participating in the survey allows you to express your opinions and help make a difference in your workplace. We really hope you will complete it.
Survey Confidentiality
Is the survey confidential?
Yes. OSPPR administers the DGSOrganizational Health Survey according to strict confidentiality policies. During the survey administration period, you can call Lynette Koch at (916)441-9212 if you have any questions regarding the confidentiality of the survey or your responses.
Who will have access to my responses? Will my manager or someone from DGS leadership see my answers?
No. All individual responses to this survey will be kept completely confidential. OSPPR will collect, report and analyze the data. At no point will anyone –except the one individual administering the survey –be privy to the origins of specific feedback. Managers will receive a scorecard in which all individual responses will be aggregated into group averages and percentages.
What is the difference between anonymous and confidential?
Anonymous means that no one knows who is answering. DGS’s goal is not to collect information anonymously. In order to know which people to group together by division or demographically, DGS needs to be able to identify which people belong to which teams. However, any information that is provided in the survey is kept completely confidential and private. Confidential means that your identity and answers will not be revealed or released. In addition, DGS’OSPPR follows exceptionally strict procedures so that aggregated data that is reported remains anonymous and cannot be attributed to a specific employee.
Survey Logistics
When and how do I take the survey?
Beginning April 11, each employee with a DGS-issued email address will receive an email with an individualized web link to take the survey. You can take the survey from this link at any time.
How long will it take to complete the survey?
It will only take about 10 minutes to complete the survey. The survey has 35 questions.
What about employees without computer access?
Those employees without access to computers at their jobs sites or without DGS email accounts will have several alternatives for how to participate (paper survey, smart phone link, mobile kiosks). We will send separate information to the managers of staff in this situation.
Are survey links unique to each employee? Why is it necessary?
Your access link will be a randomly generated URL so that is unique to you. During the survey period, if you have questions or lose your unique URL, contact Michael Sears . This method ensures that each employee can participate only once.
Will I be given time to take the survey during work hours?
Yes. Completing the survey is very important and each employee will have time to complete it. However, if you don’t have a chance at work, you can also take the survey at home or on your mobile device.
My reading skills are not that strong or English is my second language. Will there be someone who can help me with the survey?
Yes. Arrangements can be made to help you with the survey. The survey is available to take in English and Spanish. Should you need accommodation to other languages,please contact Michael Sears at (916) 376-1862 or email: .
Whom do I call if I have general questions about the survey?
For general questions on Organizational Health, contact Lynette Koch at (916)441-9212 or email . For questions on the survey instrument, please contact Michael Sears at (916) 376-1862 or email:.
Next Steps
Will we find out the results for our division/office?
Yes, this information will be posted to the DGS intranet. Your supervisors and managers will be discussing it with you.
What are managers expected to do with their team’s results?
Managers are crucial to Organizational Health and the DGSexperience. By discussing the survey results with their teams and working with them to improve the workplace, they can effect positive change.
When will I learn about my organization’s survey results and exactly what management plans to change?
DGS is committed to providing employees a full breakdown of the survey results while also outlining action that will be taken in response. Look for the results to be released beginning in May.
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