HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-E-02 Employee Recognition Policy
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: Dan Wietecha, City Administrator
Date: October 21, 2024
Item: Employee Recognition Policy
Council Action Requested:
Review and approve updated Employee Recognition, Safety, and Wellness Policy.
Background Information:
The most recent Employee Recognition Policy was adopted in 2009. At that time, the policy provided
for longevity and service recognition.
State statute allows cities to operate and expend funds toward preventive health and employee
recognition programs. In the years since the earlier policy was adopted, additional recognition and
preventative health and employee safety practices have emerged and need to be recognized in a more
comprehensive policy.
The purpose of the Employee Recognition, Safety and Wellness program is to acknowledge the
dedicated service to the City of Hastings and provide for the safety and well-being of its employees.
The Administration Committee reviewed the components of the recognition policy and recommended
investment in recognition and well-being as critical to attracting and retaining high-performing
employees to the City.
Historically, funds for employee recognition have been included in the budget and/or were provided
for by a wellness grant. These grant funds are no longer available for that purpose; therefore, a budget
amendment request will come forward to Council next month.
Financial Impact:
Included in proposed 2025 budget, approximately $3000 over prior budget.
Advisory Commission Discussion:
N/A
Council Committee Discussion:
The Administration Committee (Leifeld*, Haus, Pemble) met on August 12, 2024.
Attachments:
Employee Recognition, Safety, and Wellness Policy
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Employee Recognition, Safety and Wellness Policy
Minnesota Statute 15.46 PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.
The commissioner of the Department of Management and Budget may establish and operate a program of
preventive health services for state employees and shall provide the staff, equipment, and facilities necessary to do
so. The commissioner shall develop these services in accordance with the accepted practices of and standards for
occupational preventive health services in the state of Minnesota. Specific services must be directed to the work
environment and to the health of the employee in relation to the job. The commissioner shall cooperate with the
Department of Health as well as other private and public community agencies providing health, safety,
employment, and welfare services. A county or a statutory or home rule charter city may establish and operate a
program of preventive health and employee recognition services for its employees and may provide necessary staff,
equipment, and facilities and may expend funds as necessary to achieve the objectives of the program.
Purpose: The purpose of the Employee Recognition, Safety and Wellness Program is to acknowledge
dedicated service to the City of Hastings and provide for the safety and well-being of its employees.
Objectives:
• Create awareness of resources and programs to promote recognition, safety, and well-being of
employees.
• Attract and retain employees through engagement.
• Promote safe work behaviors to reduce accident and injury.
• Reduce health care costs through healthy choices and preventive health resources.
• Support teambuilding and collaboration within and across departments.
• Share recognition of employee accomplishments across the city.
• Create a culture of engagement and identify the City as an employer of choice.
An Employee Recognition, Safety and Wellness Program aligns with the City’s Core Values of
Communication, Optimal Service, Respect for Resources, and Enthusiasm. Studies have shown that
recognition and employee support positively impact productivity, employee retention, and effectiveness.
The City Council has demonstrated that this kind of support for city employees meets a public purpose
and have the authority to offer that support through offering this program. The program is adopted as
additional compensation for work performed by employees.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Service Awards
Service awards are based on an employee’s length of continuous service to the City of Hastings. The
awards include all regular employees, as well as paid on-call firefighters and police reservists. Service will
be honored in five-year increments. Awardees will be recognized annually at the last City Council
meeting of the calendar year and with a reception following the meeting. Each awardee will receive an
article of recognition as well as a certificate that is redeemable through an awards catalog. Awards will
be offered in the following increments:
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Years of Service Award Amount
5 $25.00
10 $50.00
15 $100.00
20 $150.00
25 $200.00
30 $350.00
35 $500.00
Employees who are retiring in a year in which they are eligible for service recognition and retire prior to
the end-of-year event, will be invited back to attend the Council meeting, and be recognized.
All employees will be invited to an Annual Employee Recognition Lunch, where awardees will be
recognized.
Promotions
Employees who are promoted from one position to another within the City, will be recognized at a
Council meeting following their appointment to the new position.
New Hires
Newly hired employees will be recognized at a Council meeting following their appointment to the
position. New hires will also be recognized in the employee newsletter, City Update, and at the annual
Employee Recognition Lunch.
Upon successful completion of the probationary period, new employees will be recognized with an
article of recognition such as a plant or logo-wear, not to exceed $25.
Departmental Recognition/Community Engagement
Many municipal departments or roles have national recognition. Public Works, Police and Fire are some
of the departments that host community events recognizing their contribution to the community. Other
departments or roles are recognized in the weekly City Update.
Individual departments may have internal recognition policies and practices. For example, Police
Department employees are recognized for commendable or meritorious acts.
Retirement
The City may provide a plaque along with a cake or comparable food item (not to exceed $50.00) when a
City employee in good standing retires, as defined as meeting the qualifications for retirement under the
rules of the Public Employee Retirement Association. Any additional food or activities will be paid for and
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organized by employees. The Department may organize a voluntary collection towards a gift for the
retiree. The City Council may draft a resolution of appreciation for recognition at a City Council meeting.
The Retiree will be advised of the recognition plans and may elect not to be recognized in any of the
forms listed. Compensation will not be paid to an employee in lieu of food item/reception.
Retirees may receive a one-time payment for advance notice in accordance with the provisions outlined
in the Advance Notice Program.
Leaving Employment/Service
Employees may organize and pay for food or activities to recognize another employee leaving city
employment. The Department may organize a voluntary collection towards a gift for the departing
employee. The departing employee will be advised of the recognition plans and may elect not to be
recognized in any of the forms listed.
The City may provide a gift of appreciation to recognize a Mayor or Councilmember leaving service.
Informal Recognition
Informal recognition of employees can happen anywhere, anytime. Supervisors, coworkers, and
residents are encouraged to celebrate excellence or appreciation for the work of City employees.
Informal recognition may occur in person or in writing.
Volunteers
The City may pay reasonable and necessary expenses related to a volunteer recognition and appreciation
program. The City may sponsor volunteer recognition and appreciation events which may include food or
refreshments for volunteer members of the City’s Police Reserves and City Commissions.
Employee Wellness and Recognition Committee
The City has an employee committee dedicated to providing and promoting recognition and wellness
activities. The Employee Wellness and Recognition Committee will recommend appropriate activities
and plan related events, within the approved budget.
The City supports other events that are planned and paid for by employees, such as employee potluck
lunches or other health/wellness-related activities.
EMPLOYEE SAFETY PROGRAM
The City has an employee committee that is responsible for reviewing and updating the safety programs,
analyzing safety data, and recommending employee training. The Employee Safety Committee is
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comprised of employees who hold certain roles, ensuring an ongoing commitment that is defined based
on job description.
The City will hold a membership to the Minnesota Safety Council or other appropriate organization for
access to resources that support and promote safety initiatives at the City.
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