County looks to boost morale among employees

Thursday, January 22, 2015

In the face of higher insurance premiums and a number of years of tight budgets, one department head wants to see Putnam County do a little more to promote morale and motivation in county employees.

Juvenile Probation Officer Renee Marsteller is asking fellow employees as well as the Putnam County Commissioners and Putnam County Council to help her come up with ideas.

Appearing before both boards during their meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 20, Marsteller talked about some of the shortfalls she has seen in recognizing county employees. She mentioned a long-time county employee and elected official who recently retired without any official recognition.

"Marty Watts was here for over 30 years," Marsteller said. "Did we giver her a plaque or anything?"

Likewise, the county Christmas party has been abandoned in recent years, called off after employees saw their own money funding the annual get together.

But Marsteller is confident there are ways to make people feel appreciated. A 2014 raise for the first time in several years helped, but things took a step back in 2015 with increased employee costs for health insurance. Marsteller made it clear she does not blame county officials for the increases, but it's still a bitter pill to swallow.

"I'm not here for me. I've got a good job. I make good money," Marsteller said. "I'm here for the people that make $22,000 or $23,000."

Ideas Marsteller offered included finding some way to recognize those who have been serving the county for more than 30 years, an employee of the month program, reviving the Christmas party and other small symbols of appreciation.

Auditor Lorie Hallett concurred, pointing out the morale booster that the Christmas party could be.

"Sometimes just that one day a year with everybody together, it just broke down our differences," Hallett said. "We need something to boost morale."

With Marsteller clearly passionate about the idea, the commissioners granted her permission to start a committee to explore the idea further. Marsteller was appointed to chair the committee.

"It's the little thank yous. I don't think we need to spend a lot of money," Marsteller said. "There are ways we can say thank you without giving people big raises."

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  • Good luck. Until the employees making 22 or 23 take a stand they will never be treated with respect or receive proper compensation.

    -- Posted by jorge on Fri, Jan 23, 2015, at 12:05 PM
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