The trait happy federal agencies have in common

Federal Times: Never overlooking little details can help big agencies make great leaps in employee satisfaction, according to experts speaking at the Partnership for Public Service’s 2017 Best Places to Work awards, held Jan. 26.

For example, the Department of Homeland Security won the award for most improvement among large agencies, and Elaine Duke, deputy secretary of DHS, revealed how an employee listening tour of the agency uncovered unresolved problems at all levels, some so small “it was almost embarrassing that we hadn’t addressed them,” she said.

For example, Duke said that one employee stood up during a Q&A to thank her for saying “hi” when passing in the hall. Duke said she was struck by how such a small thing could make such a big difference to employees.

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