FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2005

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION KICKS OFF YEAR-LONG INITIATIVE FOCUSED ON EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION AND RECOGNITION

Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Quenton I. White today announced the kick off of the "Year of the Correctional Employee," a 12-month campaign designed to show appreciation and recognition of employee groups for their hard work and dedication.

"Employee recognition, whether on a small or large scale, is often overlooked.  That's why this type of initiative is so important and long overdue," said White.  "By implementing this campaign, the Department of Correction is committed to finding positive, fiscally responsible ways to recognize the numerous contributions our employees make each and everyday."

TDOC employees have been divided into groups according to staffing standards and a different group will be selected for recognition each month.  For example, the month of February will feature education and library employees.  Other groups and programs to be honored include health and mental health, correctional officers, maintenance, employee assistance program, unit management and treatment, food service and administration.  The department also deemed it appropriate to honor our volunteers and employee families because their work and support is equally critical to our success.

The facilities will plan activities and programs every month that benefit correctional employees, placing special emphasis on the recognition group in the spotlight.  Programs will focus on career and wellness topics, opportunities for career shadowing, implementation of an employee spotlight program, incorporating family oriented activities and much more.

An informal survey was delivered to staff members within the 12 state-managed institutions to gather employee opinion on what kind of recognition would be meaningful and the planning committee received an overwhelming response.  The majority of respondents agreed that it is important to be recognized for their work and they think staff should be rewarded for meeting specific criteria "above and beyond" normal duties.  Employees also provided essential feedback on specific types of recognition that means the most to them, which was incorporated into monthly activities and programs that will take place throughout the year.

For more information on the Year of the Correctional Employee initiative, please contact Amanda Sluss at (615) 741-1000, ext. 4005 or log onto our Web site at www.tennessee.gov/correction for monthly updates and photos.

 
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