"Life in Congress" Workplace Environment Overview

This award focuses on how the office treats its employees. We will seek information describing how office management empowers employees; demonstrates flexibility in workplace rules; consistently uses core values to guide decisions, behaviors and communications; encourages staff professional development and achievement; and regularly engages in performance management practices. We would expect to see that an office has created policies and a culture through specific practices that are thoroughly integrated into the office’s work. For example:
  • A performance management system that provides employees with continual feedback and metrics on performance
  • Offering modern and creative work-flex policies (e.g., telework, job sharing, and flex work hours)
  • A culture of staff professional development
  • Holding staff accountable to office mission and values
  • Fostering inclusivity in the office, including hiring staff representative of the district/state
  • Supporting staff and intern professional development of interns
  • Thoughtful and effective employee recruitment and retention strategies
  • Involvement of the Senator/Representative in employee interactions and projects
PLEASE NOTE:
It may be necessary for CMF to learn more about your office’s policies and processes in order to evaluate your nomination fully and assess your practices against those of other nominees. We will do this by interviewing select staffers and reviewing certain documents. We understand the sensitive nature of this information and would keep it completely confidential.

By completing the following application for a Democracy Award, you are indicating that your office is prepared to be interviewed by CMF and submit requested documents as part of the review process. If you have any questions or issues in submitting your nomination, please contact CMF@CongressFoundation.org.
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