Public Service Commission Policies
Employee Engagement and Recognition
POLICY STATEMENT
Date: February 26, 2022
Purpose
The Manitoba government recognizes that an engaged workforce is critical to delivering on priorities and improving outcomes for Manitobans. Engagement is closely linked to organizational performance, contributing to increased productivity as well as recruitment and retention of skilled employees. Employees play a key role in supporting an engaged workplace culture, by actively participating in opportunities to strengthen their own engagement.
A workplace culture that values and recognizes employees' achievements is a key driver of engagement. The Manitoba government is committed to investing in and supporting policies, programs and resources that support an environment where employees feel inspired, proud and connected to their work and the public service. Employee engagement and recognition are also fundamental workforce management initiatives referenced in The Public Service Act.
Policy Statement
The Public Service Commission is committed to supporting a workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported and engaged. This is achieved through policies, programs and initiatives that contribute to the key drivers of engagement, which include workplace culture, leadership, capacity, and employee development. For example:
- The Public Service Act, the Manitoba Government Code of Conduct and related policies such as Respectful Workplace Policy: Addressing and Preventing Sexual Harassment, Harassment and Bullying provide employees with the necessary tools to work to the highest ethical standards of integrity and accountability. This helps create a workplace culture where employees feel safe to give their best, to collaborate, and be innovative. It also builds a culture of inclusion, where employees are open to and actively seek out diverse perspectives and ideas.
- Learning and development policies, resources and programs focus on the talents and career growth of public servants within the organization. These programs also provide public servants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to deliver quality services and programs to Manitobans, now and into the future.
- Both formal (General Manual of Administration, section 28) and informal recognition activities acknowledge the tremendous work and efforts of public servants, and help build a sense of pride and accomplishment among employees and teams.
A key component of an engaged workplace culture is one that also values and actively engages with employees for their feedback. The Public Service Commission is committed to ongoing engagement with public servants through activities such as employee surveying. Employees' participation in these surveys provides valuable feedback to leaders and employees that will continue to shape and strengthen our workplace culture.