To: Board of Supervisors
From: Esa Ehmen-Krause, County Probation Officer
Report Title: Probation Service Award Events
☐Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE the Probation Department's Service Awards Events for FY 25-26, and AUTHORIZE expenditures of up to $7,500 annually for recognizing department staff for their public service, as recommended by the Chief of Probation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action is expected to result in a cost of $7,500 annually from the department’s existing County General Purpose Revenue allocation.
BACKGROUND:
Supporting Employee Service Award events is essential for fostering a positive organizational culture and strengthening employee engagement. These events formally recognize the dedication, loyalty, and long-term contributions of employees, reinforcing the message that their efforts are valued and appreciated. Recognition programs like service awards help boost morale, motivation, and overall job satisfaction, which in turn contribute to higher retention rates and improved productivity.
By celebrating employee milestones, organizations demonstrate commitment to their workforce, enhance workplace pride, and promote a sense of belonging. Service award events also provide opportunities for leaders to connect with employees in meaningful ways, reinforcing trust and strengthening organizational cohesion. Ultimately, investing in recognition events helps create a supportive and motivated workforce that drives organizational success.
The department currently hosts at least one annual event to recognize staff for their years of dedicated service. In addition, the department participates in Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week each July, which serves as a critical opportunity to honor the important work of community corrections professionals. These events reinforce appreciation for employee commitment, elevate morale, and strengthen organizational culture.
Probation proposes to fund these recognition activities, along with holiday greeting cards in December, at a total annual cost of $7,500, which equates to roughly $10 per employee for each major event (Service Award Ceremony and PPPS Week).
Recognizing employees for their tenure and professional contributions has been shown to improve retention, reduce burnout, and encourage higher levels of performance. These events also provide leadership with meaningful opportunities to publicly acknowledge accomplishments, reinforce organizational values, and promote a sense of pride and unity across the department.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, employees may feel undervalued or overlooked, leading to decreased morale and disengagement. Over time, this can reduce productivity, increase turnover, and diminish the organization’s ability to retain skilled and experienced staff.