Los Angeles County Department of Public Health New Supervisors Development Program: Establishing positive and productive work environments

Ineffective supervisory skills have been found to lead to increased turnover, reduced job satisfaction and decreased productivity. Data has shown that people leave their jobs because of poor supervisor relationships. Effective skills-based training and early intervention in a comprehensive program that supports new supervisors' development and improves supervisory skills has lead to decreased turnover, increased job satisfaction and increased productivity. Therefore, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Organizational Development and Training (ODT) designed a comprehensive six-month New Supervisor Development Program (NSDP).

The intent of NSDP is to provide supervisory and leadership skills, peer support, pertinent County policy and human resource information that will enable new supervisors to function effectively in building a positive and productive work environment. The purpose of the NSDP is to establish an effective, comprehensive orientation program for new supervisors to increase retention, job satisfaction, and productivity for the new supervisor and the new supervisor's direct reports. The 6-month program includes 4-5 days of classroom based instruction, as well as peer and supervisor mentoring, to enhance learning and application of content back at the workplace. The first cohort of NSDP was piloted in 2008, and a comprehensive evaluation was conducted, including 360 degree evaluations from the new supervisor participant, their supervisor, and their subordinates. Factors such as retention, job satisfaction, and work productivity were assessed at base line, following program completion, and 4 months after completion. Results will be shared, as well as lessons learned and next steps.