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HR outlines telework rollout, employee 'belonging' group and training plans
Summary
The county’s HR representative reported progress on job-description reviews, new telework procedures and a renamed employee group focused on belonging and inclusion; the department also previewed training and retention initiatives.
Lisa, representing the county HR department, briefed the board on Feb. 11 about telework policy updates, employee engagement work and training plans.
HR staff said a countywide job-description project is in progress and taking longer than expected because it is being completed in-house; the department expects to finish during the year. The county is also implementing quarterly learning-institute meetings for departments and encouraging every department to meet at least once per quarter.
On telework, HR reported that policy changes require updated telework agreements, instructions for mobile timekeeping and IT security work. The department said rollout of the remote-work portal has been delayed by IT security requirements; managers and HR are meeting to resolve remaining issues and to complete approvals for staff who will work remotely. HR noted existing telework approvals allow managers to permit employees with prior approval to work from home on weather-impacted days, and staff said they will follow up with clear guidance.
HR also described changes to the county’s internal employee engagement group. The department plans to continue the program formerly called the diversity committee but renamed it the Belonging and Inclusion Group (BIG) last fall; the board discussed alternative wording (for example, 'belonging and involvement') and asked HR to consider whether 'involvement' or 'engaged' might be clearer than 'inclusion.' HR said it will discuss wording with the group.
Other HR items included continuing metrics work with departments, the Core Values academy classes (both entry-level and advanced sessions are full with waiting lists), recruitment pressures and benefits administration. The department reported preliminary healthcare renewal rates from Wellmark showing a 6.9 percent proposed increase (subject to final review) and said vendor security issues delayed the rollout of a wellness portal but that staff expect to launch it soon.
HR said it will bring tentative union agreements to the board for consideration on the next agenda.
