Spark Survey: Encouraging Open and Transparent Communication from Employees

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Every employee’s voice is key to the success of the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Services (EHS). In September 2021, the EHS Division Chief encouraged staff to submit questions and concerns via an online survey and addressed all of the items during a virtual staff meeting. The purpose of this was to encourage staff engagement, increase communication and provide clarity. This initiative was modified over the next few months to be the catalyst of positive conversation and provide a space to share not only questions and concerns, but constructive and encouraging items. Thus, in December 2021, the Spark Survey was born. With the new Spark Survey, staff can now submit questions and concerns, and share ideas and kudos. They can choose identify themselves or be anonymous. This option encourages staff to share honestly, and gives EHS management the opportunity address the comments in an applicable way. The Spark Survey has not only enhanced communication between staff and management, but also provided the Division with the abilitiy to increase innovation, improve morale and overall boost the quality of EHS.