During the Oshkosh Common Council Workshop on October 29, 2024, significant discussions centered around the Human Resources (HR) department's strategies for addressing recruitment challenges and enhancing organizational structure. Michelle, the HR director, highlighted the department's commitment to not only filling vacancies but also developing existing employees through internal promotions. This approach aims to create career advancement opportunities, which can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention.

The HR team is actively analyzing turnover rates and identifying areas where staffing issues may arise. By collaborating with city leaders, they are working to ensure that the organizational design aligns with both current and future needs. This proactive strategy is essential in a competitive job market where attracting and retaining talent has become increasingly challenging.

In addition to recruitment and retention efforts, the HR department is focused on improving operational efficiencies. Recent advancements in benefits enrollment processes have reduced manual workloads, allowing the team to allocate more resources toward recruitment efforts. Approximately one-third of positions are filled through internal promotions, which, while beneficial for employee growth, can lead to additional vacancies that need to be addressed.

The HR budget remains stable, with a focus on essential training programs, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as upcoming sustainability training in collaboration with the sustainability committee. These efforts reflect the city's commitment to fostering a supportive and progressive work environment.

Overall, the discussions at the workshop underscored the importance of strategic HR practices in enhancing workforce stability and ensuring that the city can effectively meet its operational goals. As the city continues to navigate recruitment challenges, the HR department's initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping a resilient and capable workforce for the future.