Michael Olsavsky believes that the Postal Pulse serves as an employee’s voice.
The Altoona, PA, Postmaster encourages his employees to complete the USPS workplace survey because it offers an opportunity to help the organization understand what’s going right — and what needs to be improved.
Olsavsky and other managers are encouraging employees to complete the latest Postal Pulse, which runs Aug. 4-Sept. 4.
“I believe in the survey because it shows how we’re conducting ourselves. It’s not about focusing on the negative results, but finding the positive in the responses,” Olsavsky says.
To help other managers promote survey participation, the Postmaster offers three tips:
• Speak positively about the survey. The Postal Pulse is not just for voicing displeasure; it also shows what the organization is doing well. “Focus on the areas that need to be addressed, but continue to highlight any areas you’re performing well in,” he says.
• Promote engagement year-round. Encourage employees to speak up and share their ideas throughout the year. “Don’t act like you only care about their feedback when it’s time for the Postal Pulse,” Olsavsky says.
• Stress the survey’s importance. There will be employees who feel that the survey doesn’t matter, he says. “I tell them, ‘If you don’t answer the survey, you are letting others speak for you. Speak for yourself, don’t silence your voice.’”
Adds Olsavsky: “Remind employees that the survey is about them — not you, or anyone else.”
The Postmaster says the key to successful survey participation begins with common courtesy.
“Come to work every day and treat employees the way you want them to treat you,” he says.