Corrections subcommittee looks for ways to improve employee morale

Dr. Caterina Spinaris, founder of Desert Waters Correctional Outreach, presents information from a wellness study it recently conducted of Michigan Department of Corrections employees.

State Rep. Thomas Albert, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections, today held a hearing to discuss the mental wellness of corrections officers and others employed by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Albert, of Lowell, said the topic is of critical concern because studies have shown high rates of depression, anxiety and suicide among prison workers.

“I organized this hearing because the wellness and safety of our corrections employees is top priority,” Albert said. “I want to make sure we’re fully informed of the situation and we’re doing everything in our power to create a healthy work environment for our corrections workers. We must start making improvements quickly because the stakes are just too high.”

A recent study conducted by Desert Waters Correctional Outreach, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections, found that nearly half (47 percent) of all MDOC employees screen positive for anxiety. About 22 percent meet the criteria for PTSD, 9 percent reported suicidal ideation and 19 percent showed signs of alcohol abuse.

About 3,500 employees – including corrections officers, field agents and administrative staff –completed the survey, which assessed overall well-being and key factors related to stress.

Dr. Caterina Spinaris, founder of Desert Waters Correctional Outreach, presented the committee with results from the study and provided recommendations. Some of the most common criticisms provided by the respondents related to the high occurrence of mandatory overtime, mistrust among supervisors and coworkers and the disciplinary process.

“The main player is work health. Morale – how people view their job – very strongly affected their mental health,” Spinaris said. “Their whole attitude about their jobs is strongly affected by their relationships with their supervisors and their coworkers – the workplace culture. … Quality of professional relationships is critical – and I think that’s the foundation we need to build on.”

The committee also heard from Lynn Gorski, manager of the MDOC’s new wellness unit, and Officer Cary Johnson, who works at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson County.

“It’s very clear that filling critical staffing shortfalls is something we need to address in the short-term,” Albert said. “We must also re-evaluate the disciplinary and investigatory procedures the department uses and work on building a leadership development program that improves the command climate.”

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