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Walla Walla County adopts bimonthly two-day new-hire orientation after six-month trial
Summary
The board approved a permanent schedule of bimonthly two-day new-hire orientations after a 6-month pilot; county staff reported improved cyber awareness metrics and time savings for HR and Tech Services. The board modified the start time to 8:00 a.m. and added time for elected officials or department heads to meet new employees.
The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 on March 31 to implement a bimonthly, two-day new-hire orientation program developed jointly by Human Resources and Tech Services following a six-month trial.
County risk manager Josh Griffith told commissioners the pilot reduced new-hire phishing susceptibility from about 8.3% before the program to roughly 3.7% afterwards and saved staff time: 31 hires over six months would have required an estimated 62 hours of ad hoc orientation but, under the consolidated program, required about 20 hours on average. Griffith said the program structure and a calendar for the remainder of the year are attached to the proposal.
Commissioners discussed scheduling adjustments requested by elected officials and department heads. Several commissioners asked that the first day begin at 8:00 a.m. and that the schedule preserve an hour at midday for new hires to meet elected officials or their department heads for required paperwork and introductions. The board approved the program with that modification.
Commissioner comments during the meeting noted flexibility will remain: the HR director and the director of Tech Services will consider additional sessions by request when department needs arise. The motion approved was recorded as Proposal 2025-03-31 HRRM: Human Resources/Risk Management approval to implement bimonthly two-day new hire orientation, with the 8:00 a.m. start-time modification and added meeting time for elected officials/department heads.
The transcript records operational details such as the defensive driving modules and laptop provisioning as part of the orientation schedule, and commissioners requested the program be adjustable to accommodate department needs. The board approved the motion 3-0.
