TAG's letter regarding the GA DOD 2009 Employee Surveys

To the Employees of the Georgia Department of Defense,

The number one element in our ability to deliver our services to our customers is our people: the right people with the right skill sets to accomplish our jobs. In order to continue to build an effective and supportive workforce environment, our senior leaders and I depend on feedback from you to fully manage your capability and capacity to accomplish the work of the organization and to maintain a safe, secure, and supportive work climate.

In the 4^th Quarter of FY 2009, the GADOD partnered with an independent agency, Summit Consultants, to design and manage a web-based employee survey to encourage frank discussion from you on the performance of our workforce. During the two months that the survey was opened, you responded tremendously with over 4,522 members of the organization answering the survey. From myself and the component commanders, I would like to thank you for participating in the 2009 GADOD Employee Survey.

A summary of the results that were analyzed by Summit Consultants are found listed below:

-- Areas of strength

Administration of civilian, travel, and military pay
Timeliness of travel, state active duty, and regular pay
Opportunity to learn new skills
Trust leaders to make appropriate decisions
Job security if job done well
Employer support, Family Support, and Family Involvement
Pride in belonging (95%)
Safety is important (97+%)
Effective workplace policies
Friendly people, Respect people in the organization

-- Areas of potential concern, Performance below 80%

Information flow up the chain of command
Information flow down the chain of command
Information received in a timely manner
Leaders hold personnel accountable
Lead by example
Opportunities for promotion
Preferential treatment, Favoritism (over 39% agree it is a problem)
Position fill based on qualifications and integrity

I and my senior leadership team have reviewed the entire survey results and we have heard your message clearly. We will continue to sustain the areas that we are doing well and we will make adjustments to the areas of potential concern that were identified. The senior leadership team will be directing the various staff sections to identify and create action plans to improve employee satisfaction during our strategic management and strategic planning process. Your answers will assist the senior leadership team’s understanding of potential impacts and changes required in the workforce that will allow us to better serve our customer and satisfy our employees.

To review the results of the entire survey, please follow the corresponding links:

I wish to thank each of you for your input and interest in the making the GADOD a better organization.

WILLIAM T. NESBITT

Major General, GADOD

The Adjutant General