The Democracy Award for "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment focuses on how an office treats its employees. This includes information describing how office management empowers employees; demonstrates flexibility in workplace rules; consistently uses core values to guide decisions, behaviors and communications; encourages staff professional development and achievement; and regularly engages in performance management practices. We would expect to see that an office has created policies and a culture through specific practices that are thoroughly integrated into the office's work.
The 2018 Democracy Award Finalists for "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment are:
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
If staff tenure is any indication of a positive workplace environment – and it is – the office of Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) is a great place to work. The five most senior staff members average 22 years of service for the Senator. That level of mutual respect is evident through the office's practice of open collaboration and lack of micro-management. The office's detailed employee handbook, which begins with the mission statement, "The focus of all staff members is to serve the citizens of Idaho," lays out clear expectations for a high level of professionalism among all staff levels. The office also facilitates travel between the Idaho and Washington offices to encourage communication and collaboration among colleagues.
Representative Susan Davis (D-CA-53)
While many congressional offices adopt the standard House of Representatives' employee handbook, the office of Representative Susan Davis (D-CA-53) has gone well beyond that model laying out their personnel and office policies in a clear and friendly manner. To ensure full understanding, the office brings in the internal House experts to explain benefits to the staff. The semiannual performance reviews include an evaluation of each staff member's supervisor and peers. The positive workplace environment is enhanced by an emphasis on professional development; two staff shifts that enable the office to be open longer while allowing employees to balance their work and non-work schedules; and constant sharing of work reports and constituent communications among the staff to foster collaboration and inclusiveness.
Representative Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-07)
Representative Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-07) and his office work to forge strong bonds among all staff members by: holding weekly videoconferences to discuss their goals and work for the district; hosting an annual staff conference with Washington and Colorado staff that always includes a community service project and tour of a major employer; and assigning each staffer a partner in another Perlmutter office. All of these practices combine to enhance the working relationship and knowledge of everyone's duties so they may better serve constituents.
Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA-08)
Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA-08) actively solicits opinions and ideas from his staff, fostering loyalty and a desire to work at their highest potential. Four of his employees have worked for him almost his entire tenure in Congress; the Chief of Staff has been with him for 25 years, dating back to his days in law enforcement. The office makes certain everyone knows what is expected of them and how to successfully carry out their duties through thorough, but easily understood, manuals. The 200+ page "8th District Guide" lists names and contact information for government offices at every level; Chambers of Congress and other business organizations by city; community and service groups; and all schools, hospitals, and first responders in the district. This extremely useful document gives staff vital information they need to excel in their positions and to represent the district at the highest level. The core values of the office – Leadership, Integrity, Service and Teamwork – are displayed on posters in each location as a reminder of how employees should approach service to their constituents.
Representative Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02)
By encouraging professional development, allowing flexible work schedules, and fostering employee autonomy, Representative Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02) has built a staff that is well-trained and committed to serving the Second District of Maryland. As a result, the office has five staffers who have been with the office since Representative Ruppersberger's election to Congress in 2003. The Representative's emphasis on family, in addition to work, is echoed in his admonition to staff to treat each constituent "as if she was his mother." Annual performance reviews solicit feedback on office structure and policies to make certain everyone is working at maximum potential.
Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ-06)
The office of Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ-06) begins each week with a memo outlining what votes, meetings, and constituent requests for assistance are coming up in the Washington and Arizona offices; they end the week with an after-action review to discuss their successes and failures. This process allows the office to set overall goals for service to the district, inform each other's work, and ensure a balanced workload. The office policy manual was written by the entire staff ensuring all viewpoints were taken into consideration, thereby fostering a strong, positive working relationship. Quarterly reviews with the management team make sure everyone is working to his or her potential.
