Dear Colleagues:

I am writing to invite you to complete the 2005 Employee Values Survey.  It's been a year since we last asked you to assess our progress in living our shared values, and it's time to once again take stock of how we are doing.  Because I highly value your input, I hope you will take this opportunity to provide feedback.  Your responses will remain confidential.  You may complete the survey now by clicking on:  http://web1mdcs.state.mi.us/VisionValues05/Index.asp.  The survey will remain open until Tuesday, October 4.

This year, we have expanded the survey to include questions about issues such as communication and employee recognition.  We also are asking you how frequently your input is sought and if you feel you are respected as an individual within your workplace.  Our goal is to better understand just how our departments and leadership and employees are interacting.

Nearly 12,000 employees responded to the survey in 2003, and more than 17,000 responded in 2004.  I hope to hear from even more of you in 2005.  Results will be compiled and posted on the State's Website so that you may review findings for the state as a whole.

The Employee Values Survey was our first, but certainly not our only, step in making this a "great place to do great work" and to live the values of Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork, and Inclusion.  As you know, earlier this year, we introduced the MI 360 Survey program which allows employees the opportunity to provide feedback to their supervisors about their leadership style and its impact on the workplace.  To date, more than 1,500 leaders have signed up for and received MI 360 feedback.  By June 2006, we anticipate that all supervisors will have had the chance to participate.  I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity if you have not already done so.  I have personally completed the MI 360 and found the feedback rewarding and helpful. 

I encourage you to complete the Employee Values Survey and let me know your feelings about the Vision and Values process and if you feel we are continuing to "walk the walk."  Again, your responses will remain confidential.  Working together, we will continue to make the State of Michigan a "great place to do great work."

Sincerely,     
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor