Survey results show impacts of COVID-era work experience

Kathy Davis, Communications 

Seed Program staff in Yakima, adhering to mask-wearing and
social-distancing protocols. Left to right: Richard Gilbert, field
supervisor; Nancy Jones, lab supervisor; Theresa Otto, office
supervisor; and Paula Moore; program manager

WSDA leadership issued a survey in late September to learn how agency employees’ work experience has been affected by changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Key findings of the survey show a significant shift to home-based work, with high levels of productivity and satisfaction with teleworking. Others indicated their job duties require them to work in the field or a facility and cited mask-wearing and other ways their work experience has changed.

In March 2020, state stay-home orders and other restrictions caused the bulk of WSDA office-based staff to begin working at home. Other employees, such as inspectors, were deemed essential staff and continued to support the agriculture industry in non-office settings. 

Survey results summary

More than half the agency workforce (53%) took the survey. 

Less than half of all respondents (47%) were based in Olympia. Another 40 percent were from Eastern Washington, with 20 percent representing Yakima. 

The survey confirmed a significant shift to some level of telework status. Before COVID-19, about half of all agency staff worked fulltime in a facility, such as an office. The rest indicated some combination of field, facility and home-based locations. 

Since pandemic restrictions took place, about one-third of all WSDA employees work fulltime from their homes, with another third spending at least some time teleworking. The other one-third reported working exclusively in an agency facility, in the field, or some combination of the two locations. 

Those not teleworking

Of those who answered that they spent no time working at home, more than 8 in 10 said they did so because their job duties require it. Comments largely reflected that these employees are required to conduct inspections at industry facilities, or needed to be in an office to perform their job duties. 

Most of these field or facility employees cited mask requirements as the primary way their work experience had changed. Nearly half also noted fewer colleagues in the workplace. 

Many reported “other” ways work had changed for them, especially in warehouses and industry facilities. Concerns about conditions and lack of following COVID-19 recommendations was a common theme. 

Teleworking employees

Most employees who are working at home, either fulltime or at some level, reported being satisfied with this experience. More than 8 in 10 are very or somewhat satisfied, while 12 percent were dissatisfied. Just one-quarter indicated that their work had changed due to COVID-19. 

The majority indicated they had a laptop, smartphone, and monitor provided from the agency to use at home. About one-quarter are using their own personal printer for work. Nearly 40 percent have moved an office chair and other furniture or supplies from their office for home use. 

Many responded that they have purchased items on their own to use in a home office. More than half bought a table or desk, and 44 percent bought an office chair. Just under one-third have paid to have their home internet connection upgraded since working at home.  

Productivity impact

More than 8 in 10 reported their work productivity was either the same or had improved. Just 16 percent said their productivity had suffered. 

The top factors (in descending order) respondents credited with increasing productivity were:

1. Fewer interruptions
2. No commute 
3. Less socializing
4. Comfortable environment
5. Supervisor support

While fewer survey respondents said their productivity had declined, the top factors for that drop were:

1. Less functional work station
2. Less connection (work and social) with coworkers
3. Slow internet
4. Children schooling at home

Future of teleworking

When COVID-19 restrictions are eventually lifted, employees indicated a strong preference for continuing some level of teleworking, even though more than three-quarters had no teleworking agreement before the pandemic. 

Nearly 30 percent said they would like to continue to work from home fulltime, while another 64 percent want to mostly telework, or at least do so more than before COVID-19. 

The top reasons for preferring to continue some level of teleworking were:

1. Knowing they could fully perform work from home
2. Eliminates or reduces commute
3. Better work/life balance
4. Flexible schedule
5. More productive

The full survey results are available on the WSDA intranet. 

In summary: More than half of all WSDA employees responded to a survey seeking to learn how agency employees’ work experience has been affected by changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show a significant shift to home-based work, with high levels of productivity and satisfaction with teleworking. Others indicate their job duties require them to work in the field or a facility, citing mask-wearing and other ways their work experience has changed. Read the summary of results and find a link to full results in the Insider. 

Emergency preparedness steps; get two-weeks ready

 Erin Coyle, Rapid Response and Emergency Management

This year has turned out to be one of disruption. Along with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires again swept through the state, making 2020 the second worst wildfire season on record. 

Now, we are heading into the severe winter weather period that could bring strong winds and rain, deep snow and flooding. As the recent ShakeOut exercise reminded us, Washington is a hotspot for earthquakes; the next one could strike at any time. 

It can feel overwhelming to contemplate all the possible hazards that could threaten our safety. But you can draw strength from the realization that we are not helpless! 

We have the control to plan and prepare for whatever might happen. Taking steps now to become disaster ready will give you the confidence and assurance to respond to all-hazards incidents.

WSDA wants you to be prepared. To help, the Washington Emergency Management Division offers the Prepare in a Year Guide. 

It’s as simple as completing one activity each month. At the end of 12 months, you’ll be much better prepared. Think of disaster preparedness not as a checkbox, something to do once and never again, but rather a continual process of learning, restocking supplies, and encouraging others to be prepared.

 Start talking to your family as the first important step in your plan. During an earthquake, for example, your family might be separated at school, work or on the road. 

Create a communications plan covering what happens if you are separated. Planning solutions now can help ensure calm, decisive response when it’s needed, because everyone will know what to do.

Three key steps to preparedness

Learn your hazards: Learning about the hazards near where you work, play, and live will help you and your family prepare for disasters that could happen.

Have a plan: Having a family disaster plan gives you the confidence of knowing just what to do when a disaster happens. Decide as a family on your meeting locations and your out-of-area contact.

Build kits: You and your family may be on your own for at least two weeks when a disaster happens. Build a “2 Weeks Ready” kit at home and smaller kits for work, school, and vehicles.

Find more information and resources about the three steps to preparedness, the Prepare in a Year Guide and 2 Weeks Ready. You can also find information about pet preparedness, assembling disaster supply kits, videos and publications on the Emergency Management Division’s webpages. 

In summary: It can feel overwhelming to contemplate all the possible hazards that could threaten our safety. But you can draw strength from the realization that we are not helpless! We have the control to plan and prepare for whatever might happen. Taking steps now to become disaster ready will give you assurance and confidence. Find out how you can prepare on the Insider blog. 

Food Safety Program adapts, perseveres, and excels in 2020

Kathy Davis, Communications

Northwest Region Food Safety Program inspector, 
Victoria Shaffer. 

Something we all want is confidence that the food we buy is safe to eat. WSDA’s Food Safety Program is a front line of protection in Washington State. 

The program regulates, licenses and inspects in-state food processing facilities, food storage warehouses, dairy farms and processing plants, cottage food operations, custom meat facilities, honey, eggs, and marijuana-infused edibles. 

The Food Safety Program, which employs 37 people, issued more than 500 new licenses and permits and conducted nearly 2,000 food safety inspections of licensed processors and warehouses in 2019. 

How has this work been affected by a global pandemic that has changed most everything? And how has the Food Safety Program managed to continue to ace rigorous federal audits, even in 2020?

Forced learning curve

“It (COVID-19) impacted everything,” said David Smith, Food Safety Program manager. “We went from full inspection capacity to zero in the course of a couple of days.”

Eastern Region inspector,
Caleb James.

Except for urgent public health responses the program paused routine inspections including a 90-day stop-work order halted federal inspections under contract and routine dairy work. Inspections resumed June and July in response to the state’s safe-start plan phased reopening.  But social distancing and other requirements have fundamentally changed how work is done. 

“It’s been a learning curve for staff on how to physically distance and follow safety protocols while at firms where employees work in confined areas,” David noted. 

Neat workarounds

One big challenge has been trying to hear conversations in noisy industrial environments, while maintaining distance and wearing masks. 

The program “found some neat workarounds early in the pandemic,” according to Gena Reich, coordinator for the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards. 

For instance, the program purchased two-way radios with headsets and push-to-talk features. These have improved communication between inspectors and regulated business staff. The equipment also allows more than one program staffer to conduct onsite inspections, which is important when each brings specific necessary expertise. 

The Food Safety Program also started using FaceTime on their cell phones for visual verification, Skype for meetings, online staff training, remote records reviews, and alternative licensing options for low-risk operations.

“We have had to really think about how we follow the intent of public health in a new era of COVID-19, where we can’t inspect in the same way we did before,” David said. 

Another big impact has been funding hits. Contracts and grants from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provide an important share of the program’s budget. 

Eastern Region inspector,
Roger Smith.

"The FDA implemented a 90-day, stop-work order which, while necessary, was a significant impact on revenue,” David said. The program also saw a 75 percent reduction in sanitary certificate revenue as a result of a drastic reduction in exports.  

"Despite the work-stop order, and many challenges resulting from COVID-19, the program was able to complete 94 percent of the planned work for FDA and is now conducting the public health work we do in all areas of the state.  Our team believes in its role as part of the food safety system and I could not be more proud of them."

Maintaining high standards

In the face of all these challenges, the program has demonstrated high standards. In September, FDA awarded WSDA full compliance with all federal Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS). 

Since 2016, the Food Safety Program has been audited three times under a cooperative agreement with FDA, each time passing with flying colors.  To add to this challenge, this was the first time the audit was conducted virtually.  The audits last up to five days, during which program staff must answer hundreds of questions and prove conformance with 10 standards of internal food regulations.  

“They had some significant obstacles to overcome this time around and I’m really proud of the way the team stayed flexible and worked together to get this done,” said Steve Fuller, assistant director of the Food Safety and Consumer Services Division. 

“There is teamwork,” said Gena, who coordinates the effort. “We have a strong commitment to the MFRPS program from division leadership on down to help us be successful.” 

Experience, connections and being highly organized also help make it happen. 

“I have good connections with coworkers, industry and other states that help us learn from each other,” Gena explained. “We have access to FDA coaches and I can reach out to other states that have been successful, particularly those with programs similar to ours.”

“It’s only fair we get evaluated because we go into firms and do the same thing to them. It’s important that our regulatory standards are recognized at the national level and this program continues to be a leader in food safety," David noted. 

In summary: Something we all want is confidence that the food we buy is safe to eat. WSDA’s Food Safety Program is a front line of protection in Washington State. How has this work been affected by a global pandemic that has changed most everything? And how has the Food Safety Program managed to continue to ace rigorous federal audits, even in 2020? Read all about it in the Insider.  

Feed Program intern values experience and keeps going

Anna Howard, Animal Feed Program

Anna in her home office.

Editor’s Note: This is a follow-up to the Insider’s feature about Anna Howard when she joined WSDA as an intern this summer. Here she looks back and reflects on her experience. 

Over the past several months as an intern for the WSDA Animal Feed Program, I’ve had opportunities to grow academically and professionally. 

I recently graduated with an interest in public health work. So it’s been exciting for me to work in the animal feed regulation field, which incorporates public health and safety in a unique way. 

As a member of the animal feed team, I’ve taken part in online training and meetings with industry partners from all over the country. This has allowed me to learn about  feed industry topics like inspections and sampling procedures, manufacturing and processing standards, and recalls. 

In addition, this internship has helped me develop and practice new professional skills such as organization, project management, communications, auditing, and outreach. 

One of the major goals of my position was to help the program implement and maintain the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFPRS) by reviewing and updating existing program documentation and identifying areas of improvement. Reviewing procedures and forms gave me greater insight into the program’s purpose, responsibilities, and scope, and I was able to use critical thinking and analysis. 

Practicing creativity 

Throughout my internship, I performed desk audits of inspection and sampling reports and helped identify solutions for corrective actions and staff training. Producing trainings and quizzes based on various standards allowed me to present material in a creative way. 

I also refined my creativity and writing skills by working on the program’s monthly newsletters. 

My favorite task was beginning a new outreach project with my supervisor and the WSDA Communications Office, and brainstorming ways to creatively get information to industry partners. I learned about the importance of outreach and making information accessible and engaging for an audience. 

Thankfully, I will be able to continue this project and several others because my position has been converted to part time and extended until July 2021. 

I have learned a tremendous amount in my time with the Animal Feed Program. I can only imagine how much more I will be able to learn and do over the course of the next year. 

In summary: Over the past several months as an intern for the WSDA Animal Feed Program, Anna Howard has been learning and growing academically and professionally. Here she looks back and reflects on her experience. She’s been such an asset to the program that her position has been extended into next year.  

Communications trailblazer Karla Salp has extraordinary year

Kathy Davis, Communications

Karla Salp on a trip to observe gypsy moth
destruction in the eastern U.S.

WSDA was thrust into the sudden spotlight more than once in the past year. A giant “murder” hornet became a global cultural phenomenon and mystery seeds from China caused a ripple of concern across the U.S. 

Karla Salp, public engagement specialist with the agency’s Communications Office, was at the center of both these high-profile incidents. Her quick, capable response during these pressurized times, as well as her outreach work over the past five years has elevated WSDA’s communication activities, and raised the profile of the agency and the importance of the state’s agriculture industry. 

In recognition of Karla’s impact, Communication Director Hector Castro nominated her for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Communications Award. 

Karla’s was one of only nine nominations received from the 50 states and three territories that are NASDA members. The award went to the Mississippi director of market development for that state’s agricultural branding program. 

“In my view, Karla was the most deserving candidate,” said Hector, with more than a touch of pride. “She has done great work since joining this agency, including her expertise in social media, willingness to acquire new skills that benefit the agency and our communications work, and managing the annual gypsy moth eradication projects.”

Hornet explosion

When the Asian giant hornet story broke, Karla swung into action with an extensive communications plan, including news releases, publications and videos. As the agency’s social media coordinator, she relied heavily on those outreach platforms, and created a Facebook group focused on Asian giant hornet news. 

The public and media frenzy surpassed anything the agency had seen in recent memory. Karla managed dozens of interview requests from local and national reporters, such as CNN, CBS and other national news shows. 

That this was occurring during a pandemic when so many are working from home created unique challenges. 

Karla took an innovative approach by setting up the agency’s first virtual news conference, managing the event by facilitating questions from the dozens of reporters who logged in. 

Mystery seed packets

Hector Castro and Karla in 2018, when WSDA 
hosted the Communication Officers of State 
Departments of Agriculture (COSDA) national
conference in Richland. 

In July, state residents began to report receiving packages from China of seeds they had not order. Karla was among the first agriculture communicators in the country to post about this on Facebook. 

A typical agency Facebook post receives a few hundred views. The seed post has been viewed by more than 30 million and garnered more than 360,000 comments and 650,000 shares. 

Once again, Karla’s phone and email blew up with inquiries from reporters and the public. Working with the Pest Program and USDA, she quickly disseminated guidance for people who had received the seeds. 

“Beyond these two high-profile incidents, Karla’s ability to simultaneously handle a tsunami of media interest, address staff needs, and oversee the agency’s social media platforms demonstrates her work ethic and energy,” Hector noted. 

Expanding audience and awareness

Karla joined WSDA in 2015 to manage communications for the agency’s gypsy moth eradication efforts, which included aerial pesticide applications over parts of Seattle. Her outreach approach and diligent preparation were credited for reducing pushback from residents in the affected areas. 

Since coming onboard, Karla has elevated our social media presence to new levels. She initiated expanding beyond Facebook, Twitter and YouTube by adding Instagram and Flickr accounts. Our Facebook following has grown from 2,000 to over 60,000. 

With her typical sense of down-to-earth humor, Karla recognized the support of the Communications team colleagues.

“As part of my ‘there’s always next year’ non-acceptance speech, I really feel like a nomination for one of us is a nomination for us all,” she said. “I seriously love where I work and – 100 percent – it has to do with working with a top-notch, always-ready-to-help, go-getter team and a fantastic boss.”

Thank you Karla for improving WSDA communications, reaching ever broader audiences to raise awareness about our agency’s work and the importance of agriculture to everyone. 

In summary: Public Engagement Specialist Karla Salp’s quick, capable response during pressurized, high-profile incidents, as well as her outreach work over the past five years has elevated WSDA’s communication activities, and raised awareness of the agency’s work and the importance of Washington agriculture.  

How horses bring joy; pet stories, part 2

 Kathy Davis

Communications

Jessica La Belle with Spanky

Thanks to all WSDA employees who submitted more pet stories highlighting the special relationships with our animal friends during these strange times. We will publish all of them, but are continuing this series with two stories focused on WSDA horse owners. 

The relationship Jessica La Belle has with her horse Spanky has been important throughout her life, but especially during 2020. 

 “I met Spanky in 2001 in Alaska when he was five-months old and just weaned from his mother. I began training horses around that time, and he was the first colt I started under saddle,” said Jess, an administrative assistant for the Entomology Branch of the Pest Program.  

Spanky (short for “Sir Spankyface Dancypants Moneymuncher of Poopsalot”) is now 19 years old, and has traveled with Jess from Alaska to Colorado to Washington. Most horses go through several owners throughout their lifetimes, but Jess has been committed to providing Spanky with the best life possible and seeing him through to the end.  

 “The depth of relationship that can develop between a 1,000-pound animal and a human being is truly extraordinary and difficult to express,” she said. 

 “He is gentle, silly, and affectionate, and throughout the uncertainty of this year, has been a great source of comfort and normalcy to me. Watching him run or brushing his coat continues to fill me with joy after all these years.”

COVID-friendly hobby

Paula Moore, WSDA Seed Program manager, started backcountry horse packing as a hobby this year with Peggy Sioux (buckskin draft cross) and Roxie (flaxen red chestnut haflinger cross), who she purchased in February. 

Paula Moore on backcountry pack trip with
her horses.

Paula joined the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, a group passionate about preserving backcountry trail use, as well as being capable teachers for learning her new skills. 

For the last year, Paula had been practicing with empty pack boxes and gradually filling them with weight. In August, she and her horses took their first backcountry three-day pack trip as a fully loaded team into the Goat Rock region. 

 “One day, we took a trail hike on foot to the top of the waterfalls and the base of the glacier. The air was clean, the sun was out and the basin was beautiful. From the top, we could see only one other camper in the area,” Paula said.  

During COVID-19, her horse experiences have had little impact. During the spring they worked on footwork, manners and home repairs like fencing, and in April started hitting the trails to get in shape for hill climbs. 

 “We are naturally socially distanced on the trails,” Paula noted. “Giving lots of space between other horse and trail users is standard. We started dry camping in June and went to one socially distant horse event for training.” 

Paula has noticed an increase on the trails by a wider variety of users. But she said everyone she has encountered is respectful and friendly. 

“Fortunately COVID hardly affected use of the trails and my two lovely horses,” she said. “This 2020 trail season, we have grown and bonded. Every outing is an adventure. I am happy to see many new and first-time trail users.”

If you have a story about how your pet has helped you get through this year, share it with me (kdavis@agr.wa.gov) for a future post. 

In summary: The Insider pet stories series continues with the spotlight on two WSDA horse owners and how their special relationships with their horses are bringing them comfort, normalcy and connection, helping to get through this very strange year.

Emergency response relies on thorough planning

Randy Treadwell and Erin Coyle, WSDA Rapid Response and Emergency Management Program

Randy (Treadwell) and Erin (Coyle) here; lately often referred to as the agency’s “COVID-19 team.” While the coronavirus has kept us busy for much of 2020, our role as the WSDA Rapid Response and Emergency Management Program encompasses much more than pandemic response. 

A multiagency food and feed emergency response exercise was developed and hosted last year by the Washington Rapid Response Team, which is part of the Rapid Response and Emergency Management Program.

Internally, we’ve been developing WSDA’s Safe Start Plan and coordinating resources under the state’s phased re-entry framework.

Beyond COVID-19, our program helps WSDA respond to animal, agricultural, food, and feed-related emergencies. We work with state and federal partners to prevent and respond to foreign animal disease outbreaks, dangerous plant or pest infestations, food and feed illness outbreaks, food or feed contamination events, radiological releases, and bioterrorism attacks. 

We also respond and assist with recovery during natural or man-made emergencies and disasters, such as the wildfires raging through Washington right now. 

Advanced planning

Most recently, our program has updated the agency’s Emergency Operations Plan, which includes the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). State agencies are required by state law and governor’s directive to develop and maintain their COOP, which includes a section on pandemic outbreaks .

The Emergency Operations Plan is actually a set of plans that spell out the process we will use during an emergency. It consists of three sections: the basic plan, emergency communications, and the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). 

The basic plan is intended to advise all agency staff. The other two sections are for agency positions that may have an immediate role during an emergency response. The COOP is meant to ensure that the agency is able to continue essential functions if the resources, personnel, or procedures that make those functions possible are threatened, damaged, or rendered inaccessible. 

Our program annually trains agency leaders and staff in agency positions identified in the COOP. Programs and division leaders can request a COOP tutorial or refresher briefing to make employees aware and informed about the agency's emergency plan. 

Incident response functions best when all involved clearly understand organizational structures, and individual roles and responsibilities. Washington State uses the Incident Command System (ICS) as a standardized way to coordinate responses to all kinds of incidents. Part of our annual training reviews ICS basic concepts, roles, and responsibilities.

What can you do to prepare?

We encourage WSDA employees to plan and prepare for what to do in an emergency. 

To help state residents prepare, the Washington Emergency Management Division offers resources to become two-weeks ready by taking one preparation step a month for the next 12 months. The Washington Military Department will present a preparedness webinar on Sept. 17. Learn more and register on their website.  

To review the basic Emergency Operations Plan, visit the Emergency Management intranet page.

Contact the Rapid Response and Emergency Management Program if you have questions or want assistance. 

In summary: WSDA’s Rapid Response and Emergency Management Program encompasses much more than pandemic response, helping our agency respond to animal, agricultural, food, and feed-related emergencies. Most recently, the program updated the agency’s Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Learn what this means to you in this Insider blog post.