Organizational Health Unit Improvement
San Antonio Public Library, Texas
Innovation Synopsis
San Antonio Public Library implemented a goal of improving organizational health by creating a culture of accountability and trust, promoting staff commitment to the mission, instilling a mindset of proactive problem solving and developing a comprehensive professional development program to increase job satisfaction, performance and retention.
Challenge/Opportunity
The Strategic Health work group used survey data, results from focus groups and anecdotal information in the analysis and development of the Org Health recommendation. It was clearly identified that communication, comprehensive training, mentoring and succession planning and developing a plan to appropriately value staff were issues which needed to be addressed. The idea of a unit dedicated to the needs of staff was a direct result of this work.
Key Elements of Innovation
Organizational Health Unit’s focus is to address and support the needs of SAPL employees with effective and continual communication throughout the organization; promote creative thinking, innovation and cohesion and to support both SAPL and employee personal career goals. Additionally, the Unit has developed professional development programs to increase employee satisfaction, improved job performance and retention by standardizing basic training requirements and implementing the City of San Antonio’s own training opportunities.
Achieved Outcomes
A quarterly staff recognition programs recognizing staff excellence in the following categories: customer service, innovation, leadership and community was implemented in 2014. Staff nominates colleagues. Additionally, a monthly staff newsletter to consistently communicate library’s news and information was introduced.
