Kentucky Employee Suggestion System
Earn up to $2,500 for your good ideas! Because our team members know best, the Kentucky Employee Suggestion System (KESS) provides monetary incentives to those who share ideas that will improve the productivity and services offered by the state. Cash awards range from $100 to $2,500.
Awards are provided when a suggestion is approved, and results show either a savings or an improvement to a process or program, public relations, or safety.
Submit a suggestion through KHRIS ESS.
General Information
Employee Guide
Coordinator Guide
Evaluator Guide
KESS Coordinators
Contact Us
Office of Employee Relations
Employee Recognition Branch
502.564.9818
Employee Discounts
Businesses throughout Kentucky are showing their appreciation by offering Commonwealth employee discounts. Enjoy great perks at retail stores, state parks, resorts and sporting events!
Read more.
Service and Retirement Certificates
Many Team Kentucky members are dedicated to public service, and they deserve to be recognized. To commemorate and thank them, service certificates are awarded after five, ten, twenty, thirty and even forty years of service. Upon retirement, you'll receive a retirement certificate and letter from the governor.
If you have not received your service certificate or to obtain one for a team member, please click
here.
Contact Us
Office of Employee Relations
Employee Recognition Branch
502.564.9818
Public Service Recognition Week
The first full week of May is devoted to recognizing public servants for their dedication and commitment. Throughout the week, agencies are encouraged to find innovative ways to celebrate and recognize employees for the broad variety of services they provide.
Please note that state funds cannot be used for Public Service Recognition events. For additional information, please refer to
Use of Public Funds (FAP 120-23-00).
Manager/Agency Toolkit
Contact Us
Office of Employee Relations
Employee Recognition Branch
502.564.9818
Governor's Ambassador Awards
State employees who have significantly and positively impacted the lives of their co-workers, customers, or community are recognized each year through the Governor's Ambassador Award program. Awards are provided in the areas of customer service, courage, leadership, professional achievement, teamwork or community service and volunteerism.
GAA Guidelines
Submit a paper nomination
Submit an online nomination
Governor's Ambassador Awards
State employees who have significantly and positively impacted the lives of their co-workers, customers, or community are recognized each year through the Governor's Ambassador Award program. Awards are provided in the areas of customer service, courage, leadership, professional achievement, teamwork or community service and volunteerism.
Nominations for the 2024 Governor's Ambassador Awards are now closed.
Governor's Ambassador Awards Guidelines
Click here to see our 2023 Governor's Ambassador Award Winners
Contact Us
Office of Employee Relations
Employee Recognition Branch
502.564.9818
Charles W. Anderson Laureate Award
History, both American and Kentucky, was made in January 1936 when Louisville’s Charles W. Anderson, Jr. raised his right hand to take the oath of office as a State Representative in the Kentucky General Assembly. When Anderson was sworn into office - four months prior to his 29th birthday - he became the first black legislator in Kentucky and in the South since the Reconstruction Era. The Department of Personnel first presented the Charles W. Anderson Award in 1989. Since that time, there have been 70 recipients. Charles W. Anderson, Jr. was a true pioneer and in his honor the Personnel Cabinet is proud to present the Charles Anderson Award for achievements in promoting equal employment opportunities.
Nominations are now closed
Read more.
Contact Us
Office of Diversity, Equality, and Training
502.564.8000
Feedback Badges
Badges are a form of employee recognition that can be awarded to coworkers and employees, to recognize and encourage positive performance. Managers can review feedback comments and badges during interim reviews which could be beneficial when documenting performance. Instructions for awarding a badge can be found
here.
