Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
HR presents retention‑focused benefits, including flexible employer contribution and retiree health proposal
Summary
Human Resources outlined programs to retain and recruit staff: a flexible employer contribution (FEC) that lets employees direct benefit dollars, wellness and recognition programs, and exploratory work on a retiree health benefit account for select employees.
Taisha (HR director) presented the human resources budget and described several programs aimed at recruitment and retention, including the flexible employer contribution (FEC) program that allows employees to direct employer contributions among a menu of benefits (daycare, student‑loan repayment, retirement, etc.).
Taisha and Rob said the FEC has been a strong recruitment and retention tool and that administration considers it a signature benefit. The town also supports employee wellbeing through safety programs, a wellness festival, targeted one‑on‑one coaching, service recognition and employee awards; Taisha said administrative and public‑works safety programs have won state awards.
HR staff and the manager described exploratory work on a retiree health benefit account to help employees who are eligible to retire but not yet Medicare‑eligible. Rob said the benefit is still in a research phase and that staff are evaluating funding, vesting criteria and potential tax/legal considerations; no formal proposal was before the council.
Taisha said HR is also working on operational efficiencies: a new performance‑evaluation system with guidance to reduce subjectivity, a simplified employment application and plans to evaluate an integrated HRIS and payroll system together with finance.
