Audit Proposes Culture Changes at Oregon Revenue Department

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A state audit has recommended changes to workplace culture at the Oregon Department of Revenue after employees reported low morale and unclear direction.

The Statesman Journal reports the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office released the audit Wednesday, recommending the agency works to improve internal communications and create an accountability framework with clear expectations and feedback about employee performance.

Auditors surveyed employees, who said they felt undervalued and had frustrations about an “increased emphasis on outcome metrics.”

According to the audit, employees also reported episodes of “demeaning comments and yelling” between management and workers.

Department deputy director Satish Upadhyay says the agency agrees with the recommendations and will look for the “best ways to communicate with staff and appropriately involve them in decisions.”

The department employs about 933 full-time workers.
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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com