Hasson Proposes Psychological Tests

Spokane County Commissioner Steve Hasson, who admits occasional odd behavior, has proposed psychological testing for county job applicants.

Hasson recently asked the Human Resources Department to research the issue as a possible solution to skyrocketing employee lawsuits, stress claims and just plain old lack of productivity.

“What is the cost of conflict in the workplace?” Hasson asks. “Is the cost of abatement less than the prevention of conflict?”

Human Resources Director Ben Duncan said a test matching applicants with the jobs they are applying for is a good idea.

But any form of psychological testing is prohibited by federal law, he said. Employers can’t screen out people with any sort of disability. Tests can measure only skills or capabilities essential for the job.

The county could screen people for the right job personality, Duncan said.For example, jail deputies need to be able to handle stress.

“They’re confronted with people who play with their minds all day,” noted Hasson, whose eccentric behavior - he once jumped out a window to escape the media - has made him the county’s most topical politician.

Studies suggest that 2.5 percent of an average work force consists of problem employees. That means roughly 44 of the county’s 1,769 workers.

Catherine Harmon, the county’s personnel/affirmative action manager, said, “We’ve seen a higher number of discrimination complaints in the past six months than we’ve ever seen before.”

Ironically, Harmon is suing the county for gender discrimination.

Hasson said the county should know upfront who its problem employees are so managers can resolve the problems.

“Why not find the ingredients to make that conflict go away so they can work here happily, healthfully and productively?” he asked.

, DataTimes