MCHD employees encouraged to Go the Extra Mile with new GEM recognition program

Beginning in January 2014, MCHD staff will have a new way to recognize the dynamic performance of other coworkers and teams within the agency as the GEM program is launched on January 6 with a series of kick off parties at all service locations. GEM stands for Going the Extra Mile. Employees are encouraged to nominate others when they see them going above and beyond their job duties. Groups of employees also can be nominated for recognition within the new program.

There are five nomination categories: Quality, which can mean showing regard or consideration to co-workers, clients and administration; Service, which includes making customers feel valued and showing empathy; Growth, a category that covers those who remain positive no matter the situation or who focus on developing the potential of the MCHD; People, those who work well with others and always assist; Unsung Hero, those who are often behind the scenes doing things such as picking up trash or assisting clients outside their normal job duties.

 

Here’s how it works. Each nomination an employee receives equals 10 points, if approved by the GEM committee. The GEM committee will review each nomination to ensure the points are deserved. Prizes will be awarded based on how many nominations an employee receives during a specific time period.

Level 1: Ruby  An employee must earn 50 points from five nominations. Prizes include a simulated ruby lapel pin, a T-shirt and 2 hours of comp time.

Level 2: Emerald  An employee must earn 150 points, or 15 nominations. Prizes include a simulated

emerald lapel pin, a T-shirt and 4 hours of comp time.

Level 3: Diamond  An employee must earn 300 points, or 30 nominations, which requires someone to achieve the Ruby and Emerald levels in a fiscal calendar year. He or she will receive a simulated

diamond lapel pin, a T-shirt and 8 hours of comp time. In addition, employees who achieve the diamond level will be eligible to receive the Diamond of the Year Award.

 (Please note that comp time awarded to GEM members must receive prior approval by a department supervisor.)

 Membership has its rewards. The Diamond of the Year will be recognized at the MCHD December awards banquet, receive 24 hours of comp time, and be recognized in the employee newsletter, Culture.

A TEAM GEM category also has been created. Employees should nominate departments in one of
five categories listed below. Nominations may be entered on MCHD’s intranet. Each TEAM GEM will receive lunch of
their choice and a traveling trophy. TEAM GEMS will be awarded per quarter.

 The five categories are: Service, which means demonstrating the ability to listen to customers, internally and externally; Quality: this team shows they can work together to implement suggestions and other changes as needed; Growth: this team exhibits creativity in the workplace that increase productivity, teamwork or excellence; People, this groups truly makes a difference, perhaps by assisting with an outside vendor, or other clients or customers; Unsung Heroes: This team works behind the scenes to make MCHD a better place by picking up trash, assist clients, etc., outside their normal job duties.