Policy and Guiding Principles

Policy:

The State of Alaska is committed to building and maintaining a culture of superior customer service, exceptional individual and team performance, and excellence in leadership. Thus, an employee recognition program will be implemented that recognizes individual and team performance in these areas.

Guiding Principles:

1. Link recognition to the State, Department and/or Division’s mission goals and objectives. Recognition decisions must be aligned with the guiding principles of the Department.
2. Provide equity in the distribution of recognition. All employees should be given equal opportunity to be recognized for the results of their work.
3. Involve coworkers, customers, and partners in recognition decisions. They often have an awareness of the contribution that an employee makes.
4. Emphasize team recognition. Team recognition encourages team work and fosters cooperation needed to address the many complex issues faced by state employees. Team awards are meant to recognize one specific group of individuals within a division or program who work over and beyond their duties and responsibilities to fulfill the mission of the organization. Nominations that include entire programs, divisions, or departments are not appropriate.
5. Provide public recognition for state employees through press releases announcing award winners and honorable mentions.