"Life in Congress" - Workplace Environment
This award focuses on how an office treats its employees. We seek 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 expect to see that an office has created policies and a culture through specific practices that are thoroughly integrated into the office's work.
For example:
- A performance management system that provides employees with continual feedback and metrics on performance
- Offering modern and creative work-flex policies (e.g., telework, job sharing, and flex work hours)
- A culture of staff professional development
- Holding staff accountable to office mission and values
- Fostering inclusivity in the office, including hiring staff representative of the district/state
- Supporting staff and intern professional development of interns
- Thoughtful and effective employee recruitment and retention strategies
- Involvement of the Senator/Representative in employee interactions and projects
