The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding employee management and organizational culture within Oregon state agencies. The meeting focused on enhancing training for managers, addressing employee engagement, and creating a supportive environment for all staff.

The session began with discussions on the importance of manager training, emphasizing that effective leadership is crucial for employee engagement. It was noted that a significant investment is being made in developing management skills, particularly in providing resources for new employees and managers alike. The committee highlighted the need for ongoing feedback from agencies to ensure alignment with their training needs.

A key topic was the challenge of addressing poor management practices. Committee members shared personal experiences and insights on the necessity of having managers who can provide constructive feedback. It was suggested that individuals who are unwilling or unable to engage in difficult conversations should reconsider their roles in management.

Representative Chi Chi raised concerns about empowering non-managerial employees, particularly in environments where retaliation and silence are prevalent. The committee discussed initiatives aimed at encouraging employees to voice their concerns and hold managers accountable. This includes regular communications from leadership that invite feedback and promote a culture of openness.

The discussion also touched on the establishment of an investigations team to handle complaints from employees who may not feel safe reporting issues within their own agencies. The importance of visible action in response to employee concerns was emphasized as a means to build trust and credibility.

Training programs aimed at fostering a trauma-informed workplace were also mentioned, with a focus on ensuring that all employees understand their rights and the procedures for reporting misconduct. The committee acknowledged that cultural change takes time and requires consistent effort from leadership.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to modernizing workforce practices, including the use of data analytics to improve decision-making and accountability. The need for ongoing training and adaptation to new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, was recognized as essential for preparing the workforce for future challenges.

Overall, the subcommittee's discussions underscored the importance of effective management, employee empowerment, and a commitment to fostering a positive organizational culture within Oregon state agencies. The next steps involve implementing the discussed strategies and continuing to monitor progress in these areas.