The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) has unveiled the results of its latest employee survey, offering a glimpse into the morale of its workforce amid ongoing investigations into workplace culture. The survey, conducted in April by Pennsylvania-based human resources firm Energage, reveals a complex picture of employee satisfaction and concerns.
With 59% of JEA’s roughly 2,200 employees participating, the survey provides valuable insights into the utility’s work environment. The data was released on a recent Monday, separate from another internal investigation sparked in March following an employee complaint and claims of workplace toxicity and racism linked to the leadership of CEO Vickie Cavey.
Survey Highlights and Lowlights
The survey results present a mixed bag of employee sentiments. While 83% of respondents agreed that “My manager cares about my concerns,” and 80% felt that “My manager helps me learn and grow,” only 49% expressed confidence in the chiefs at JEA. “
However, the survey also highlighted areas of concern. Only 46% of employees felt that “Directors, VPs and Chiefs understand what is really happening at JEA,” and just 47% said they felt “well informed about important JEA decisions.” Additionally, 55% of respondents believed the utility is heading in the right direction, and 57% felt that JEA encourages different points of view. These figures were notably below the industry average.
The Investigations: What’s Next?
The survey results come amidst a backdrop of ongoing investigations into JEA’s workplace culture. City Council President Kevin Carrico has been at the center of these investigations, with the State Attorney’s Office looking into his actions related to JEA. In February, Carrico sent a text message to JEA board member Arthur Adams, stating that Adams would not be reappointed because Carrico “owed a big favor to a friend and opted to put him on the JEA board.” Days later, Carrico nominated his boss, Paul Martinez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, for a board position. Martinez has since withdrawn his nomination, and Carrico’s latest appointment remains on hold.
A City Council Special Investigatory Committee on JEA, formed by Carrico, is conducting its own survey of 144 JEA employees who work at the utility’s corporate headquarters and interact with Cavey. According to City Council Secretary and Director Jason Teal, those survey results won’t be available until the end of June. Meanwhile, JEA officials are analyzing the survey results and developing action plans to address key employee concerns.
The Road Ahead
The investigations into JEA’s workplace culture are far from over. It remains unclear when JEA’s second investigation by outside law firm Jackson Lewis will be complete. The committee subpoenaed Cavey and other JEA executives to testify about the workplace allegations. Cavey is scheduled to go before the committee on June 22, following testimony from JEA Chief Administrative Officer Jody Brooks and its former chief legal counsel, Regina Ross, on June 8.
As JEA navigates these challenges, the utility’s leadership is focused on addressing the concerns raised in the employee survey. With the investigations ongoing and the survey results providing a roadmap for improvement, JEA aims to foster a more positive and inclusive work environment for its employees.
