Out with 2013 and in with 2014; it is time to wipe the slate clean and set priorities for the New Year! Two goals immediately rise to the top for me… Company Growth and Employee Satisfaction.
Growth is important for the long term sustainability of the company. With the uncertainty in DC regarding WIA funding and volatility within the State Department of Human Services, it is time to start looking for new and innovative programs and grants to sustain the company.
That is why I recently visited Johnson City, TN to explore the possibility of a Youthbuild Grant. Growth can take many shapes and one of them is through partnerships. Working with the local school system, we are applying for a Youth Connect grant in January. I ask that you make innovation and growth a goal for the new year as well.
Employee satisfaction is another priority for 2014. While reading a story in Forbes, it stated that overall job satisfaction in the U.S. has declined significantly. We don’t want that to happen at Workforce Essentials, because we have the best and most dedicated employees who are committed to helping others. However as 2013 comes to an end, I must acknowledge that it has been a challenging year evidenced by the state layoffs and reduction of services in Career Centers across the State and yet another restructure of the Families First program.
We have always prided ourselves on flexibility and excellence. Looking back on 2013, we could not be where we are today without the strong support of all our employees and Board of Directors. You have bent with the changing winds and endured, so that Workforce Essentials is a viable and strong company for the future.
In this Holiday Season, I want to thank each and every one of you for what you have done and what you are doing for your local community and this company. If you should ever question your level of job satisfaction, please think back to a customer you assisted, a young adult that passed his driving test, the dislocated worker that landed a new job, the check that you cut to buy clothes for a single mom, or one of the many worthwhile tasks that helped someone else.
You are what make Workforce Essentials tick. However, if you have work concerns, please talk with your supervisor, director or call me. We are here to support you and make the organization operate efficiently and effectively. To do that, we need your help and ideas! If you know of a way to make the organization more effective or an opportunity for improvement, please let a member if the leadership team know.
We are also going to be placing suggestion boxes in the larger offices and at admin. If you have a suggestion for improvement, you can drop it in the box or mail it to 110 Main Street Clarksville, Tn. 37040. We want to hear from you! A happy employee conveys his or her attitude to other employees and customers!
Next week we will close to observe the Christmas and New Year holidays. It is time for you to rest and reenergize yourself before 2014 begins. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”
Merry Christmas & Happy New Years
Let’s make 2014 the best year ever!
Marla W. Rye, President
