Richmond human resources reports lower turnover, expands training and tuition assistance

Tyrone Alexander, director of the Department of Human Resources, told the Governmental Operations Standing Committee on July 16 that the city's multi-year effort to become an "employer of choice" has begun yielding measurable results.

Alexander said the HR review begun under the prior administration produced recommendations across six pillars: culture and employee engagement, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, professional development, and performance accountability. Since that 2023 review the city has implemented a $20 minimum hourly wage, restored participation in the Richmond Retirement System, launched an employee wellness clinic, expanded tuition-assistance partnerships with Reynolds Community College and revamped leadership and onboarding training, he said.

The nut graf: Alexander presented data showing reduced turnover and higher program participation that he said indicate progress against the city's stated human-resources goals, while…