The overall trends on Fort Jackson reflected in a recent command climate survey indicate the post is heading in the right direction in combating sexual assault and sexual harassment, said the installation's commander April 17.
Maj Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, spoke to the post's civilian workforce Tuesday at a town hall held in the Post Theater.
He said the post is proud of "our efforts to shape the environment in respect of sexual assault and sexual harassment." There is a perception of the team here that we are in fact making a difference, he added.
Johnson especially lauded the efforts of junior civilian employees to give feedback during the survey.
"Our junior teammates are recognizing the efforts there and giving us positive feedback," he added. Thirty-four percent of the post's junior civilian workforce responded to the survey.
While the numbers of civilians who said they heard unwanted jokes, hazing and bullying are low, they are not where Fort Jackson leadership want them to be.
Johnson added leaders must be mindful of the unintended impact of what they do because some employees may feel their reputation is under assault.
"We have to continue to lead and shape the environment to where these are zero," Johnson said.
Fort Jackson has already implemented a strategy to improve employee satisfaction. The road ahead includes follow up sensing sessions; exploring additional ways to improve communications; reinforcing supervisor training, education and development opportunities; and continually emphasizing recognition as the key component to excellent leadership.
During the town hall, Johnson also praised the workforce and handed out new commander's coins to nominees for employees of the quarter, spoke of Army Civilian initiatives, discussed changes to the Basic Combat Training program of instruction, how the command is interested in improving the quality of life, and the upcoming Victory Week.
While Johnson praised the feedback the post received, it still needs more.
"I really want to make a difference" for everyone on post, Johnson said. "I don't want anybody left behind in their perceptions that their values" aren't being heard by the organization.
Civilian employees can voice their concerns through their chains of command, command climate surveys and a Civilian Advisory Council that helps the commander make decisions that may affect the civilian workforce.
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