State agency’s employees say they feel seen
Division of Criminal Justice Services sustains strong workplace culture
When Rossana Rosado began her career, the workplace was not where employees shared details about personal lives. She promised herself when she got the opportunity to lead, that would change.
Now in her third year as the commissioner of the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, Rosado has made good on that promise.
Rosado is the first Latina and second woman of color to lead the state agency charged with providing resources and services that inform public safety decision-making. She said employers have to understand people bring who they are to the workplace and embrace it. That might range from recognizing an employee going through a hard time with aging parents or providing space for an employee who needs to pray before a meal, she said.
Rosado took over DCJS in November 2021 after six years as the state’s Secretary of State. In the era of hybrid work, she’s managed to keep its workplace culture in place as the agency marks its eighth year as a Top Workplace.
One change Rosado made was to start staff retreats. After overcoming
hesitancy from employees about spending a day in a conference room with co-workers, the retreats have become a crucial bonding point in an agency where employees can often work from home away from colleagues, she said.
“I think post-pandemic it brought
Headquarters: Albany
Founded: 1972
Ownership: Government
Business sector: State government
Employees: 445
Years named a Top Workplace: 8 people a little closer,” she said.
Employees agree. In the Top Workplaces survey, multiple employees said they felt seen and acknowledged while being challenged to do work that makes a difference in their neighborhoods.