Washington State Productivity Board

Geographic Scope: Washington State public employees

The Productivity Board incentivizes state employees to help state government operate more efficiently through innovation and process improvement. The program encourages cost savings and waste elimination.

Purpose

• Incentivizes state employees to improve operational efficiency
• Encourages innovation to eliminate waste
• Reduces unnecessary spending
• Recognizes employee contributions to better government operations

Eligibility

• Washington State public employees
• Employees can submit individual suggestions
• Employees collaborate with supervisors on submissions

Award Information

• Maximum Award: Up to $10,000 per idea
• Awards based on feasibility and impact of suggestions
• Recent example (2025): Local 443 member awarded $10,000 for improving letter translation process in Paid Family Medical Leave program

Recent Activity

• Since reinstatement in 2023, over 90 submissions received from public employees across Washington State
• Active acceptance of new submissions

Example Success

Hollyann Dahlberg, Employment Security Department (ESD) employee:

• Received $10,000 award (maximum) for idea
• Proposed adjusting notification letter phrasing for better advance translation
• Result: Eliminated 7-10 day translation delays; beneficiaries now receive notices same day as English speakers
• Implementation: Successfully implemented at ESD

Contact Information:

• AFSCME Council 28 (WFSE)
• 1212 Jefferson Street
• Olympia, WA 98501
• Phone: 1-833-MCC-WFSE (833-622-9373)

Application Process

1. Preparation Phase
   • Develop your improvement idea
   • Consult with your supervisor about the concept
2. Submission
   • Complete online form with supervisor
   • Both employee and supervisor participate in form completion
   • Submit through official Productivity Board portal
3. Review Process
   • Submission is scheduled for board review meeting
   • Employee attends the meeting where their submission is reviewed
   • Other submissions also reviewed during same meeting
4. Decision
   • Decision is announced the same day as the meeting
   • Award determination (if approved) includes amount

Key Notes

• Described as "relatively simple" process by recent winner
• Supervisor collaboration required but not burdensome
• Same-day decision provides quick feedback
• No lengthy waiting period for results