2015 DSHS Employee Survey

The 2015 Employee Survey revealed widespread increases in employee engagement at DSHS since our last major survey in 2013. Positive responses increased for the majority of survey questions, and DSHS exceeded the statewide target for Governor Jay Inslee’s “Employer of Choice” goal. There were improvements in all of the areas of focus specified by former Secretary Kevin Quigley for 2013 – 2015. The survey was completed by 13,664 employees in 2015 (81% response rate), the highest level of participation since the survey began in 2002. The survey results also show opportunities for positive change, and in some cases, important challenges. Many of these opportunities and challenges are specific to Administrations and major units, and are the subject of action planning at every level of the organization.

The Employee Survey is an important component of Governor Inslee’s Results Washington data-driven performance management and continuous improvement system. Employee Survey results are used as the primary outcome measure for the goal to “Increase Washington as an employer of choice” under Results Washington Goal 5: Effective, efficient & accountable government