Port of Olympia Commissioner Bob Iyall shared what Port management has been doing to improve workplace culture after 22 Port employees signed a letter of no-confidence to Executive Director Sam Gibboney in June last year.
Iyall was speaking at a public meeting on Thursday, June 22, where people were able to discuss what matters to them with the commissioner. The issue of the letter of no-confidence was brought up as he was talking about the six initiatives of the Port’s 2025 strategic plan, which includes an initiative to improve work culture.
Iyall said there have been several team-building exercises and retreats to improve workplace communication. Gibboney has also been sending weekly mailouts so that all employees are informed of what is going on at the Port and so that employees know what is expected of them.
Iyall added that these mailouts also focus on showing appreciation to employees.
Asked by a participant if the employees are being polled, Iyall affirmed this and said that they have noticed improvements but acknowledged that there is a long way to go.
The Port has also hired a new HR director to review workplace policies.
“One of the main things in that letter of no-confidence was that employees felt that they weren't heard, that there was a disconnect between the corporate office and the employees,” Iyall said. “Now it's open; it’s open all the time.”
“Anybody can go in there,” Iyal added.
The Port has been experiencing a slew of workplace issues recently. Beyond the vote of no-confidence letter, a new union composed of marina and boatyard employees is struggling to sign an agreement with the Port.
Just this April, Port Commissioner Amy Evans Harding alleged that Gibboney attempted to deceive the public by proposing to the commission that they modify her performance review.
Iyall said that the Port would report later this year on what has been accomplished so far in regard to the six initiatives under the 2025 strategic plan.
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