Subject:
Title
Update on the City’s comprehensive Employee Benefits Study and the most recent implementation of the Parental Leave Policy
Body
Presented By: Angela Clem, director of Human Resources
Recommendation and Review
As a result of the Classification & Compensation Study completed in early 2023, Human Resources included a benefits report and assessment in the scope of services for its consultant. In planning Fiscal Year 2024, Administration and Human Resources recommended the prioritization of the compensation portion to City Council in order to provide for equitable pay for City employees. As data suggests, compensation is not the only factor an employee considers as a part of job satisfaction. Administration and Human Resources, in consultation with the Executive Leadership Team, compiled a multi-disciplinary workgroup to review current employee benefits offerings for future recommendation to Administration.
The Benefits Study was initiated In January 2024. During the months of January and February, the Benefits Study Group hosted 70 listening sessions across city departments. There was an 85% participation rate in the full-time employee listening sessions, followed by an overall 75% participation rate across all employment statuses. The Benefits Study Listening Sessions were followed by a confidential employee survey, creation of a Benefits Study Report and a Benefits Evaluation Schedule (completed in April 2024). The Benefits Study Report can be found at www.harrisonburgva.gov/benefits-study. To date, the Benefits Study Group has worked with Administration to accomplish (1) An increase in the City’s contribution to employee health insurance premiums, and (2) the creation and implementation of a parental leave policy (effective January 1, 2025).
The study has been developed through the support of City Council and in accordance with City Council’s focus area, which outlines the importance of distinctive, reliable delivery of high-quality City services; that a comprehensive total rewards package is part of attracting and retaining talented public servants to our organization.