#USA #Nashville #Employee Engagement #SigBee #Tennessee DOC

Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Workforce Well-Being

In an exciting development, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) has bolstered its alliance with SigBee, a premier provider of workforce engagement technology. This initiative follows a successful pilot program that began in 2024, which has paved the way for a strategic collaboration aimed at enriching the retention and engagement of employees within the department. The partnership not only reflects a commitment to employee well-being but also underscores the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture.

Significant Improvements in Workforce Metrics

Under the guidance of Heather Bennett Stanford, the Chief Human Resources Officer and Assistant Commissioner of TDOC, the department has documented significant advances in its workforce metrics that are especially noteworthy:

• - A 29% reduction in overall officer vacancies, with many facilities managing to cut vacancies by nearly 50% since February 2025.
• - A 51.8% annual decrease in the hours logged by the security augmentee program.
• - A 22.1% year-over-year reduction in security overtime hours.
• - A 14% decrease in facility turnover since 2022.

These results reaffirm the exceptional efforts of the HR team and facility managers at TDOC. As stated by AC Stanford, "These outcomes illuminate the dedication and hard work of our teams and their commitment to improving the workforce environment."

Supporting Employee Retention Through Salary Improvements

This strategic partnership has been further enhanced by the support from Governor Lee's office and the Tennessee General Assembly, resulting in substantial salary improvements for all TDOC employees. Such financial incentives have contributed to increased hiring and personnel numbers. However, Stanford emphasizes that hiring is merely the first step; true retention hinges on the cultivation of daily trust, ongoing communication, and effective leadership. SigBee's innovative platform plays an instrumental role in helping managers maintain strong connections with their teams, thereby fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advanced Technology for Real-Time Insights

One of the key tools in this partnership is SigBee's One-Minute Check-In platform. This resource provides real-time insights into team health, enabling leaders to identify early warning signs of stress and disengagement. Such capability is vital for organizations to respond adeptly, thereby strengthening relationships and enhancing a culture characterized by trust and continual growth.

Alistair Deakin, CEO of SigBee, remarked, "Collaborative partnerships like this showcase the remarkable outcomes achievable when technology is seamlessly integrated with a purposeful mission. The leadership at TDOC exemplifies how a steadfast focus on culture and engagement can yield tangible operational benefits."

The Road Ahead

The partnership between SigBee and the Tennessee Department of Correction represents a progressive step toward fostering an engaged and sustainable workforce. As both parties move forward, their commitment to employee well-being and organizational culture sets a precedent for other entities to follow. By continuing to leverage technology and innovative practices, TDOC aims not only to improve current engagement metrics but also to establish a robust framework for future employees, ultimately enhancing the overall functioning of the correctional system.

For further inquiries regarding this collaboration, you may reach out to:

• - Heather Bennett Stanford, Chief Human Resources Officer, TDOC: [email protected]
• - Alistair Deakin, CEO, SigBee: [email protected]

Conclusion

These transformative initiatives signify a growing recognition of the essential role that employee satisfaction plays in the overall success of an organization. The TDOC and SigBee partnership serves as a model for integrating technological solutions with a commitment to enhancing employee experience, paving the way for sustained operational improvements and a thriving workforce future.